The Federal Trade Commission and 20 states have filed a federal lawsuit against Dollar General, accusing the discount retailer of repeatedly charging customers more at checkout than the prices displayed on store shelves, price tags and advertisements.

The lawsuit, filed Monday, October 26, in federal court in Tennessee, alleges that the company engaged in deceptive pricing practices for years, resulting in millions of dollars in overcharges to consumers nationwide.

Dollar General operates more than 21,000 stores across the United States, including eight locations in Chattooga County. The county has two stores in Summerville, two in Trion, and one each in Gore, Cloudland, Menlo and Lyerly.

According to the FTC’s complaint, Dollar General received 29,265 customer complaints between January 2023 and March 2026 involving stores that allegedly failed to honor advertised prices.

Federal regulators contend the company was aware of widespread pricing discrepancies but failed to take adequate steps to correct them.

Christopher Mufarrige, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said the company’s alleged practices caused significant financial harm to consumers, particularly those already struggling to make their paychecks last.

The lawsuit includes 20 states, among them neighboring Alabama and Tennessee. Georgia is not among the states participating in the complaint.

The FTC alleges that customers were routinely charged more than the advertised prices on everyday merchandise, including groceries and household products. Regulators say the practice particularly affects lower-income households that depend on discount retailers to stretch their budgets.

Dollar General, headquartered in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, disputes the allegations.

In a statement released Monday, the company said its goal is complete accuracy between shelf prices and register prices at every store. Dollar General acknowledged that occasional discrepancies can occur but said employees are instructed to correct those errors when customers bring them to their attention.

The company also said it has improved its price-accuracy procedures in recent years and intends to vigorously defend itself against the lawsuit.

Federal regulators are seeking financial compensation for affected consumers, civil penalties and a court order requiring Dollar General to stop the alleged practices.

The lawsuit does not specifically accuse any of the eight Chattooga County locations of wrongdoing.

Consumers shopping at Dollar General or other retailers are encouraged to compare advertised prices with the amounts charged at checkout and review their receipts for possible discrepancies.

Sources: Federal Trade Commission, October 26, 2026; FTC federal complaint against Dollar General; Dollar General corporate statement, October 26, 2026.