Junk Fees Crackdown: Massachusetts Attorney General Targets Hidden Charges

Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, August 21st 2025 at 16:34 GMT by The Boston Globe
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For months, consumers across Massachusetts have felt the sting of unexpected fees tacked onto everything from concert tickets and airline flights to car rentals and hotel bookings – what’s become known as “junk fees.” Now, those frustrations are fueling a significant legal push led by state Attorney General Andrea Campbell, who announced a series of investigations and lawsuits targeting businesses employing these deceptive practices. The move signals a potential turning point in the fight against hidden charges that have proliferated across various industries, leaving consumers feeling misled and exploited.

The core issue isn't simply about fees themselves; it’s about the lack of transparency surrounding them. Businesses are accused of burying these costs in fine print or disclosing them only at the very end of a transaction, often after customers have already committed to a purchase. This deliberate obfuscation prevents consumers from making informed decisions and comparing prices accurately. Campbell's office argues that this practice constitutes unfair and deceptive business practices under Massachusetts law.

The Attorney General’s office has launched investigations into several sectors, including the live entertainment industry (specifically Ticketmaster), airline ticketing, car rentals, and hotel bookings. These probes aim to determine whether companies are violating state consumer protection laws by failing to clearly disclose all fees upfront. The lawsuits filed target businesses accused of particularly egregious behavior, seeking injunctive relief – court orders preventing them from continuing these practices – as well as restitution for affected consumers.

The timing of this action is significant. It follows a broader national trend towards increased scrutiny and regulation of junk fees. President Biden has made tackling hidden fees a key policy priority, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also signaled its intent to crack down on deceptive pricing practices. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s actions align with these efforts and demonstrate a state-level commitment to protecting consumers from unfair business practices.

The focus on Ticketmaster is particularly noteworthy. Campbell's lawsuit alleges that the company’s fees, which can significantly inflate ticket prices beyond face value, are misleadingly presented and lack sufficient transparency. This echoes concerns raised by lawmakers and consumer advocates who argue that Ticketmaster’s fee structure effectively creates a monopoly in the live entertainment ticketing market. The investigation into airline ticketing similarly targets the practice of adding baggage fees, seat selection charges, and other ancillary costs at the end of the booking process, making it difficult for consumers to accurately compare prices between different airlines.

The impact of these investigations and lawsuits could be far-reaching. If successful, they could force businesses across Massachusetts to fundamentally change how they disclose fees, leading to greater price transparency and empowering consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions. The legal action also sends a strong message to other companies operating in the state that deceptive pricing practices will not be tolerated.

However, challenges remain. Businesses are likely to mount vigorous defenses, arguing that their fee structures are legitimate and necessary for covering operational costs. They may also contend that consumers have a responsibility to read the fine print before making purchases. The legal process is expected to be lengthy and complex, requiring Campbell’s office to gather substantial evidence demonstrating deceptive practices and proving harm to consumers.

Beyond the immediate legal battles, the Attorney General's actions are sparking a broader conversation about pricing transparency and consumer rights. Consumer advocacy groups are praising the initiative as a crucial step towards holding businesses accountable for misleading practices. The increased public awareness generated by this crackdown is likely to put pressure on companies across various industries to adopt more transparent fee disclosure policies, even beyond what’s legally required.

The fight against junk fees is far from over. While Attorney General Campbell's actions in Massachusetts represent a significant victory for consumers, continued vigilance and advocacy are needed to ensure that businesses prioritize transparency and fairness in their pricing practices. The outcome of these legal challenges will not only shape the future of consumer protection in Massachusetts but also influence the national debate surrounding hidden fees and deceptive pricing. Ultimately, the goal is to create a marketplace where consumers can confidently compare prices and make informed decisions without being blindsided by unexpected charges at the checkout.

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Junk Fees Crackdown: Massachusetts Attorney General Targets Hidden Charges