Deirdre Cummings
Legislative Director, MASSPIRG
617-747-4319
[email protected]
STATEMENT: AG Campbell bans “junk fees” in Massachusetts
Media Contacts
BOSTON – Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced the final adoption of new rules cracking down on hidden “junk fees” on Monday.
The new regulations require businesses to clearly disclose the total price of a product or service up front to consumers, provide clear and accessible information on whether fees are optional or required, and simplify the process for canceling trial offers and recurring charges. The new regulations make clear that hidden “junk fees” and related billing practices violate the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act.
In response to today’s announcement, Deirdre Cummings, MASSPIRG legislative director said:
“We applaud the new rules to stop businesses from padding their profits with ‘gotcha fees.’ From buying concert tickets to reserving hotel rooms, this sneaky practice has gone on way too long. Hidden fees hurt consumers as well as other companies that are transparent.
“Junk fees cost us tens of billions of dollars and countless hours as we wander through fine print, compare prices and root out mystery charges. We are thankful to AG Campbell for standing up for consumers and addressing this important issue.”
In December 2023, Cummings testified before the Office of Attorney General in support of cracking down on “junk fees”.
