San Diego City Wire

The holiday shopping season is underway, and with it comes a reminder for consumers to double-check their receipts. The San Diego County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures conducts annual inspections of more than 1,420 local businesses and 21,400 price-scanning devices to ensure accurate pricing.

"Even the best businesses have occasional overcharges," according to the department. In 2024, between January and October, nearly one in five businesses inspected had errors leading to overcharges. The average overcharge was $1.52.

With most retail activity still occurring in physical stores—despite online sales comprising 15.2% of all retail transactions as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau—consumers are encouraged to be vigilant during this busy shopping period.

"Take a lesson from Santa! Check your receipts; check ‘em twice," advises the county department.

For additional consumer protection tips or information about scanner inspections, visit the Agriculture, Weights and Measures Consumer Protection webpage.