AG Campbell has announced the adoption of nation-leading consumer protection regulations this Consumer Protection Week to prohibit “junk fees” and help consumers understand the total cost of a product or service upfront, avoid unnecessary charges, and easily cancel unwanted costs related to trial and subscription offers. The Attorney General’s Office’s regulations make clear that hidden “junk fees” and related billing practices violate the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act. As such, the regulations impose various rules on businesses to prohibit unfair and deceptive practices related to “junk fees,” including during the marketing and sale of products and services, and in connection to trial offers and recurring charges.

“We’ve all been there: booked a hotel room, purchased concert tickets, or paid for a service that was advertised at one price and then charged for one exponentially higher – all because of hidden junk fees. These regulations seek to keep more money in residents’ pockets by combatting these unnecessary fees and ensuring consumers understand exactly how much and what they are paying for.” – AG Campbell