Discount store chain Family Dollar is set to pay $63 million to resolve allegations from state and federal authorities that it frequently overcharged customers. The claims relate to household goods such as milk, diapers, batteries, and toilet paper.
The enforcement action, announced on Thursday by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 17 states, followed a Guardian investigation. This investigation reportedly revealed that Family Dollar and its competitor, Dollar General, often charged more at checkout than the prices displayed on shelves. The Guardian found that Family Dollar failed at least 2,100 price inspections in 20 states between 2022 and late 2025.
A lawsuit, publicly released as part of the settlement, alleges that Family Dollar was aware it was harming consumers by consistently charging higher prices at the register than advertised. The suit also claims that despite consumer complaints and government scrutiny, the company failed to implement adequate safeguards to prevent continued overcharging.
Under the terms of the settlement, Family Dollar will establish a $40 million consumer redress fund, provide $20 million in customer discounts, and pay over $3 million to state authorities. The company is also required to create a program to monitor and verify prices, train employees on pricing issues, and promptly correct overcharges. Family Dollar stated it is "working cooperatively" with authorities to meet the settlement requirements.