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
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
Washington AG Bob Ferguson has reached a settlement with Seattle Arena Company, LLC, which operates Climate Pledge Arena, to resolve allegations that the company collected a hidden fee on certain food and beverage sales in...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
On July 29, the attorney general (AG) for Washington, D.C. sued StubHub, Inc. (StubHub) for violations of the district’s Consumer Protection Procedures Act. The complaint accuses StubHub of employing “dark patterns,”...more
The FTC announced that it has taken multiple actions to address growing concern about unfair and deceptive practices by franchisors. The FTC released a Policy Statement on Franchisors’ Use of Contract Provisions, Including...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
A group of 19 Democratic AGs filed an amicus brief to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in support of the FTC and urging the court to deny the Petition for Review of the National and Texas Automobile Dealers...more
On May 8, 2024, the California Attorney General’s Office issued highly anticipated guidance on Senate Bill 478 (SB 478), also known as the “Hidden Fees Statute.” This law, set to go into effect on July 1, 2024, seeks to put...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: • CFPB Reports “Doom Loops” and Other Harmful Practices in...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
On May 8, 2024, the California Attorney General’s Office released much needed and highly anticipated guidance on steps companies in California will need to take to ensure compliance with SB 478, California’s prohibition on...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: •Florida AG Takes the Field Against Atlantic Coast...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: •Republican AGs Take Another Bite at the Apple in...more
Pennsylvania AG Michelle Henry announced that six additional states have joined a lawsuit against lending company Mariner Finance, LLC, which was first filed by Pennsylvania and five other AGs in 2022. The bipartisan...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: •DOJ and State AGs Attempt to Take a Bite Out of Apple - ...more
The FTC will hold a virtual informal hearing on April 24, 2024, on its proposed Trade Regulation Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees that purports to curb hidden fees, which the agency characterizes as “junk fees.”...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
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: •New Jersey AG Says Bumble Bumbled Background Check...more
California AG Rob Bonta issued letters to small banks and credit unions warning that overdraft and returned deposited item fees likely violate the state’s Unfair Competition Law and the federal Consumer Financial Protection...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
A bipartisan coalition of 19 AGs and the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection wrote a comment letter supporting the FTC’s proposed Trade Regulation Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees meant to curb hidden fees, sometimes called...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