Consumer Protection In Marin: Overcharging Declines Slightly

MARIN COUNTY, CA – Overcharging customers for services decreased slightly and undercharging remained about the same compared to 2018, according to the 2019 Marin County Consumer Protection Report.

The report, which was presented Tuesday to the Marin County Board of Supervisors, was created by the Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures. Commissioner Stacy Carlsen said overcharging occurred at a rate of 2.3% in Marin and undercharging occurred at 2.2%.

Although there were 178 cases of customers being overcharged, that figure is down from 267 in 2018.

All of the cases resulted in the business being issued a notice of violation, according to the report. A total of 68 businesses received violations, showing that some are repeat offenders.

As it inspected 442 businesses over the course of the year, the department staff issued 213 notices of violation, a 4.4% increase from the 204 notices in 2018. Overall, 78% of businesses complied with price checks on initial inspection, avoiding follow-up inspections. That figure is down 5% from 2018.

Consistent with past years, the most common violations were of equipment such as scales and gasoline dispensers not being maintained as accurate, stores overcharging customers, and customers not being able to see the price or weight of an object they were buying.

Gas pump accuracy was scored at 99.5%, according to the report. Only 12 red tags were issued for incorrect fuel meters. At 40 of Marin's 67 service stations, 847 fuel dispensers passed inspection and 47 were tagged for problems.

The Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures has a consumer help line at 415-473-7888. View consumer tips on the department's website.