Santa Rosa, Calif. — Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez joined five other county prosecutors in announcing a $1,089,999.90 settlement with Lowe’s Home Improvement over scanner overcharges and false advertising in California stores.
The civil case, filed in San Diego County, accused the retailer of unlawfully charging customers prices higher than the lowest advertised or posted price. Lowe’s, which operates 110 stores statewide, agreed to pay $1 million in civil penalties and nearly $90,000 in costs and restitution to cover local investigations and support future enforcement of consumer protection laws.
“This settlement reflects the strength of California’s consumer protection laws,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “Our Environmental and Consumer Law Division works with other District Attorney’s Offices across the state to hold companies accountable and ensure that consumers get the benefit of their bargains.”
Under the judgment, Lowe’s is prohibited from false or misleading advertising and must adopt stricter internal safeguards to prevent future violations. Those measures include more staff assigned to price accuracy, expanded internal audits, and a commitment not to raise prices over the weekend.
Locally, the Sonoma County Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures carried out inspections at Lowe’s stores. The agency plays a key role in monitoring retailers and ensuring shoppers are charged correctly at the register.
Consumers who suspect an overcharge can call the department at 707-565-2371 or file an online complaint at the county’s website.
Deputy District Attorneys Caroline Fowler and Jessica Washington handled the case for Sonoma County.
