Podcast - New Guidance on Complying with FTC Rule on Deceptive and Unfair Fees
Hidden Fees in the Live-Event Ticketing and Short-Term Lodging Industries
The FTC and Connecticut Join Forces for Action Against Nissan Dealer
The FTC Takes Initiative to Stop Junk Fees
Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast Episode: The Biden Admin “Junk Fees” Initiative Continues: What the Latest Actions Mean for the Consumer Financial Services and Rental Housing Industries, Pt 1
The Massachusetts attorney general’s (AG) office has finalized new consumer protection regulations aimed at eliminating hidden “junk fees” and improving price transparency. Set to take effect on September 2, the regulations...more
The president recently issued an executive order (Order), targeting allegedly unfair pricing practices such as “scalping” and “junk fees” in live entertainment ticketing. The Order prioritizes enforcement of price...more
In early March, the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office finalized the commonwealth's regulations on unfair and deceptive fees, which it refers to in its press release as "junk fee" regulations, while simultaneously...more
Massachusetts Attorney General (AG) Andrea Joy Campbell announced Massachusetts’ new consumer protection regulations prohibiting “junk fees” and providing consumers with greater transparency regarding trial and subscription...more
A rule governing Unfair and Deceptive Fees (940 CMR 38.00) published March 3 by the Massachusetts Attorney General sets new Total Price disclosure obligations in marketing and sales for a wide set of covered businesses,...more
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Colorado Attorney General filed suit January 16 against a major property management company, alleging deceptive practices under Section 5 of the FTC Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act...more
Here are curated AG and federal regulatory news stories highlighting key areas in which state and federal regulators’ decisions are having an impact across the US: •Illinois AG’s and FTC’s Settlement Takes a $25 Million...more
The FTC has finalized a new rule aimed at ensuring greater transparency for consumers regarding mandatory fees, also called “junk fees,” for live event tickets and short-term lodging....more
This week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Illinois attorney general announced a settlement with Grubhub Inc. to resolve allegations that the company engaged in an array of unfair and deceptive practices that...more
Since July 1, when California’s “Honest Pricing Law” or “Hidden Fees Statute” became effective, the plaintiffs’ bar has filed more than a dozen complaints alleging violations of the statute....more
Junk fees have made, and continue to make, state attorney general headlines with recent actions by Maryland and Rhode Island relating to consumer transportation. The rubber met the road when Maryland Attorney General Anthony...more
Consumer protection enforcers may be on the lookout for misleading hotel and resort rates and fees this summer travel season. This includes state attorneys general (AGs), who have announced multiple lawsuits and settlements...more
As noted in our recent client alert and blog, many legal commentators and those in the business community speculated that the California Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General would issue guidance on SB 478. On...more
Since the enactment of California’s so-called “Junk Fee Ban,” S.B. 478 (more formally known as the “Honest Pricing Law” or the “Hidden Fees Statute”), Benesch has been fielding a wide range of questions from retailers and...more
Wednesday saw the release of CA Attorney General Bob Bonta’s long-awaited FAQs on the California “junk fee” ban, now rebranded as the “Honest Pricing Law” or “Hidden Fees Statute.” The FAQs largely reiterate the very...more
In his recent State of the Union address, President Biden echoed his administration's commitment to tackling "junk and hidden fees," defined as charges to consumers providing little to no value and preventing clear...more
Connecticut AG William Tong submitted testimony in support of state Senate Bill No. 15, proposed legislation that would require fee disclosures across several consumer industries including ticket sales, food and beverage...more
Credit card surcharging has increasingly gained the attention of consumers, businesses, and regulators over the past few years, and for good reason. As inflation continues to squeeze businesses and consumers alike, many...more
On February 7, a coalition of 19 state attorneys general (AG) filed a comment letter supporting the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) proposed Trade Regulation Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees (Rule). The state AGs echoed the...more
On January 12, Massachusetts Attorney General (AG) Andrea Joy Campbell announced a settlement with Grubhub Holdings Inc. and Grubhub, Inc., (Grubhub) for repeatedly violating a statutory limit on the fees that third-party...more
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has issued a draft regulation aiming the commonwealth's deceptive trade practices statute at "junk fees" practices, automatic renewal / continuous service contracts, and...more
On March 22, 2023, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced a bill “to limit and eliminate excessive, hidden, and unnecessary fees imposed on consumers.” In response to President Biden’s...more
Hidden “resort fees” will soon be a thing of the past for Marriott International, Inc. after a recent settlement between the company and Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. Hotels like Marriott routinely advertise...more