Key facts
- 34 members of Congress are calling for an FTC investigation into retailer overcharging.
- Dollar General failed over 4,300 price-accuracy inspections; Family Dollar failed 2,100.
- The FTC and 20 states recently sued Dollar General for alleged inaccurate pricing.
- Lawmakers cite systemic failures leading to customers overpaying for groceries and gasoline.
- Affordability is a key concern for voters ahead of the midterm elections.
Thirty-four members of Congress have called on the Federal Trade Commission to investigate widespread reports of overcharging by major retailers, including Dollar General, Family Dollar, 7-Eleven, and Circle K. The lawmakers' October 28 letter to the FTC follows Guardian investigations that revealed significant discrepancies between shelf prices and register prices at these chains. These reports indicate systemic failures rather than isolated incidents, leading to consumers overpaying for groceries, medications, and gasoline. The FTC recently filed a lawsuit against Dollar General for a pattern of inaccurate pricing, a move lawmakers called positive but insufficient, warranting a broader probe. Affordability has become a key election issue, with many consumers struggling with rising living expenses.