Consumer Protection Reports

Each year, the Department publishes a Consumer Protection Report that summarizes the weights and measures inspections done by the Department and offers guidance to help consumers make informed purchases. 

Read the report to learn how to spot issues like overcharges while shopping or buying fuel, and how to contact the Department for assistance when problems arise.

Here are the highlights from this year's Consumer Protection Report, including common consumer issues, inspection results, and practical tips to help you make informed purchases.

Why It Matters

While an extra 25 cents on a bottle of water or a scale reading slightly heavier than it should may not seem like much, small errors can add up over time. If someone buys that water bottle every workday, that’s an extra $65 a year. Likewise, if a scale is inaccurate, a product priced at $20 per pound could cost an extra dollar with a difference of just 0.05 pounds. The report is meant to show consumers what to look for while shopping, so you know you are getting what you pay for.

What to Look For

When making purchases in stores or over devices: 

• Check your receipts before leaving the store. Make sure the price you were charged matches the lowest advertised price posted on the shelf, sign, or item.
• Watch out for ‘invisible’ charges that shouldn't be applied, like an item having a CRV (California Redemption for recycling) applied when it shouldn’t.

• Make sure that any device that is used to measure or weigh something for commercial use (like a deli meat scale, or a device for measuring wire for sale by the foot) has a seal with the current year or the year before. If the device does not have a seal, it might not be the right device for the job or might not be accurate.
• Make sure that you aren’t paying for the price of packaging of bulk or custom-packed foods. For example, at a frozen yogurt shop, a bulk aisle in the grocery store, or an olive/salad bar, you should not pay for the weight of the container that holds your food. The business needs to account for the weight of packing materials on their scales when they calculate your final price.

When to Report

If you think you encountered a problem, try to collect as much information as possible. Photos, receipts, and notes about what happened can help with filing the report. 

Scales:

Most scales in Marin County are tested every one to two years. That means you might see scales that have seals from the last year or two. If you notice a seal is older than three years or is missing entirely, file a report with our office. 

Retail:

If you believe you were charged a higher price for an item than was posted or advertised, make sure to check your receipt. If you can, double check the shelf price you saw in store, and take pictures of any differences you see. For small overcharges like 5 or 10 cents, double check the item wasn’t something eligible for CRV (like plastic bottles or aluminum cans for drinks). If you believe there is an overcharge, report the issue to our office.

Gas Pumps:

If a gas pump appears to dispense slightly more fuel than your vehicle's listed tank capacity, it does not necessarily mean the pump is inaccurate. Vehicle fuel tank capacities are estimates and can vary slightly.

However, you should report the issue if you notice:

• A significant difference between the amount of fuel dispensed and your expected fuel capacity.
• Meter creep (the meter continues to increase after fueling stops).
• An auto shutoff malfunction.
• A gas pump that is missing a county inspection seal.

Take Action

If you notice any of these issues, contact our office as soon as possible.

If you believe you have been overcharged on an item, have experienced a malfunctioning or inaccurate device, or been refused a sale price, do the following:

1. Double check the posted price, sale signage, or the terms of the transaction.
2. If possible, report the issue to the manager or supervisor in the store. They may be able to resolve the issue right away.
3. Keep your receipts related to the purchase.
4. Take photos of any relevant signs, price tags, displays, or postings.
5. Submit a report to our office, using the online form or by calling the complaint line: 415-473-7888 

Browse previous Consumer Protection Reports to learn about inspection findings, enforcement efforts, and consumer protection topics from past years. Reports are available in English and Spanish where translations are available.