Santa Cruz County settles claim against Target Corporation

On Tuesday, Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeffrey Rosell said Target Corporation is ordered to pay $3.9 million to resolve allegations of price overcharges and false advertising.

Rosell said the action was filed in Marin County Superior Court by Consumer Prosecutors from the District Attorney’s Offices of Marin, Contra Costa, Fresno, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma Counties and the San Diego City Attorney’s Office.

Target is required to pay the penalty to settle the civil law enforcement complaint and a 2008 injunction violation.

Rosell said, “We are committed to prosecuting pricing accuracy violations and ensuring that businesses charge customers accurately and in compliance with California law. Consumers should always watch as items are scanned at the register and check receipts to verify that they are charged the correct price.”

The Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s office also said the judgment includes a permanent injunction prohibiting Target from engaging in false or misleading advertising and charging more than the lowest price. Target will also have to follow additional audit and price accuracy requirements.