Those who don’t have the time, or the inclination, to check their receipts in supermarkets are not always getting the attractive offers shown on the shelves. This is because the offers have expired and staff haven’t removed the promotional graphics, so shoppers who put things on promotion into their trolley are being charged the full price.

A recent survey by trading standards in 50 Tesco stores over a three month period showed that 33 were regularly misleading customers in this way, with some products being charged at 80% more than the promotional price. In one Tesco Express in Birmingham an out of date offer was still on the shelf one month after staff had been advised.

Best advice? Make a note of promotional items you are buying in all supermarkets and challenge the price at the till if wrong, as they are legally bound to sell at the promoted price.