By Bob Katzen
A public hearing was held on Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s office’s recently proposed regulations cracking down on hidden junk fees. The proposed rules would require upfront total pricing of any items and services, disclosure about the nature and purpose of fees and taxes and make it easier for consumers to cancel trial offers and renewal fees.
“Comparable, complete and timely price information allows consumers to make the right personal choices for their pocketbooks while also leading to a more competitive marketplace,” said MASSPIRG’s Legislative Director, Deirdre Cummings. “For too long, we have watched as businesses have gradually stopped disclosing true prices in a practical or meaningful way. We have all experienced purchasing tickets, services, hotel rooms, subscriptions advertised at one price only to find the actual or final price is significantly more by the time we have to pay. This not only hurts our wallets but also harms businesses that truly are transparent and are disclosing total costs upfront, even though their prices look higher compared to the deceptive incomplete lower prices.”