Lowe's to pay $1 million in civil penalties for false advertising allegations in California

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The San Diego County District Attorney's Office announced Wednesday that the home improvement retailer Lowe's will pay $1.1 million to settle a civil complaint alleging the company engaged in false advertising and unfair competition in California, according to a press release.

The action was reportedly filed in San Diego County Superior Court by prosecutors throughout the state, including District Attorneys of San Diego, Alameda, Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Sonoma counties.

According to the report, the prosecution alleged that Lowe's unlawfully charged customers prices higher than their lowest advertised or posted price throughout California.

The judgment reportedly includes an injunction that prohibits Lowe's from engaging in false or misleading advertising. It will also require Lowe's to create new price accuracy policies and procedures, which include involving more employees in price accuracy, additional internal audits and an agreement not to raise prices over weekends.

The settlement requires Lowe's to pay $1 million in civil penalties and around $90,000 in costs and restitution to cover the investigation and support future enforcement of protection laws.

According to the report, Lowe's operates 110 stores in California.

Consumers are encouraged to report retail price and scanning issues to the San Diego County Department of Agriculture Weights and Measures webpage, or by calling 1-888-TRUE-SCAN (878-3722).