Consumers might want to double check their grocery store receipts, as a Centre County official has sent a warning for customers about being over-charged at local retailers.

Ron Williams, sealer of Weights and Measures, said he has been receiving many complaints from customers who were charged more than the items they purchased were worth.

Williams has not spoken to specific stores about the lingering issue, but he wanted to draw attention to the problem so further mistakes can be limited.

Many stores offer items at "buy one get one free" deals, and customers should be aware the sale prices may not be entered into the computer correctly, according to a press release from the Centre County Board of Commissioners.

Once an error has been made, the stores usually mend the fault immediately, Williams said.

"They have been very good at resolving the problem on the complaint," he said.

Bob Ames, customer service attendant at Giant Food Store, 2222 E. College Ave., said mistakes have been made, but they are not commonplace. However, if there is an error, customer service will give a refund to the consumer.

Robyn Pearlstein (sophomore-advertising) fell victim to a mistake made by a local grocery store this year. Although not financially ruined, every dollar to a struggling college student counts, Pearlstein said.

"I don't think it happens that much, but students are poor and they can't afford to have it happen ever," she said.

Michelle Barton, store manager of McLanahan's Downtown Market, 116 S. Allen St., said she has not been contacted by the Office of Weights and Measures, but has dealt with this concern before.

"If there is a mistake, we pay them back and correct the error right away," Barton said.

Other students do not feel that this issue is that important at all.

Mike Stetor (freshman-political science) said he would have ethical concerns if a store were purposely ripping customers off. However, he said this does not appear to be the case.

"An accident is an accident, you just have to be watchful. It's not a life or death matter, just a couple of dollars," he said.

Jodi Fetterolf (junior-English education) was indifferent about the subject.

"I guess it hasn't occurred to me to have strong feelings about this, but I think you should look [at the receipt] if you're worried about losing money," Fetterolf said.