Consumer Watchdog

CALPIRG calls for an end to ‘hidden fees’ in Sacramento

Transparency is critical to ensure a fair marketplace. That’s why CALPIRG joined several legislators in Sacramento last week to discuss legislation to end hidden fees.

Press conference in Sacramento.
CALPIRG | TPIN
CALPIRG consumer Advocate Sander Kushen speaks to the press at a news conference on new legislation that would address hidden fees.

Last week was National Consumer Protection Week. In addition to providing tips and tools to help consumers address a wide range of common consumer issues, CALPIRG was at the state capitol trying to address an all-too-common nuisance: hidden fees.

Here is CALPIRG Consumer Advocate Sander Kushen‘s remarks at a press conference:

“Hello, my name is Sander Kushen and I’m the Consumer Advocate for CALPIRG. We’re the statewide consumer advocacy group working to protect Californians and ensure a fair marketplace. We’ve been fighting for common sense reforms to protect consumers for 50 years, and we’re here today, the first day of Consumer Protection Week, in strong support of these reforms to address hidden fees.

“Consumers deserve to know what they are paying for, and how much, up front. It’s that simple. But more and more, it seems like companies are blindsiding us with hidden fees. Whether we’re buying a ticket to a football game or a room at a hotel, we deserve complete pricing information to help inform our purchases.

“Transparency is critical to ensure a fair marketplace. That’s why we’re proud to cosponsor Assemblywoman Friedman and Irwin’s AB 8, which would hold online ticket vendors, including Ticketmaster, accountable for hidden fees and murky refund policies—things that can take the fun out of what should be an exciting experience.

“Especially as fans are already spending so much to see their favorite performers live, it’s important that they have access to upfront ticket costs. Buying event tickets should be a straightforward process where the advertised price is the final price.

“Efforts like AB 8 and other important legislation discussed today will help ensure that California stays a leader in consumer protection for years to come. I want to thank Assemblymembers Friedman and Irwin, the California Consumer Federation and others here today for being leaders on this front.”

Sander Kushen

Former Consumer Advocate, CALPIRG

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