LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin has filed suit against Dollar General Corp., accusing the discount retailer of charging higher prices at checkout than those advertised on shelves, price tags, and in promotional materials.
Joined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and attorneys general from 19 other states, Griffin’s complaint alleges that Dollar General’s practices have cost consumers millions of dollars and harmed vulnerable shoppers. The lawsuit states the company knowingly mislabeled prices, overcharged customers, and failed to implement sufficient safeguards to prevent the problem, despite repeated consumer complaints.
“Arkansans shouldn’t have to pay more at the register than the price they were promised on the shelf,” Griffin said in a statement. “Businesses have a responsibility to advertise their prices honestly, and those that deceive consumers must be held accountable. My office will continue cracking down on deceptive practices that hurt Arkansas consumers.”
The legal filing claims that Dollar General stores around the country generated tens of thousands of consumer complaints, alleging the retailer did not honor its advertised prices. According to the lawsuit, Dollar General was aware of the issue but failed to establish adequate internal controls to prevent overcharges.
Griffin and the other plaintiffs argue that the company’s actions violate the FTC Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and Arkansas law. States joining the lawsuit include Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin.
The coalition is seeking legal remedies, including civil penalties and measures requiring Dollar General to establish safeguards to address the alleged practices. The full complaint is publicly accessible through the Arkansas Attorney General’s website.