If they know that a state does not have an active inspection program, they may target that state for short weight products or motor fuel that doesn't meet the quality as stated. That hurts consumers because they don't get what they pay for. But it also hurts the honest retailers who are trying to compete with these underhanded techniques. That's why we are out there. But even more inspectors and better tools can't do the job alone.
Consumers can also play an important role in assuring accuracy during a transaction.
When you go to the gas pump, before they start pumping gasoline, the meter should read zero. Before produce is weighed at the grocery store, the scale should read zero. If it doesn't, you will end up paying for not only that product, but the product that was already registered on the meter. If the meter does not read zero to start with, tell the attendant or cashier. Tare is the weight of the packaging or container and you shouldn't have to pay for it.