FTC Junk Fees Rule Comments

TINA.org submitted comments to the FTC in response to the Commission’s request for comments regarding a proposed rulemaking to address junk and hidden fees.

Timeline

2024

April 24

The FTC holds an informal hearing as part of its review of the proposed rule prohibiting junk fees. TINA.org participates in the hearing and presents an oral statement.

February 7

TINA.org submits an addendum to its comment requesting an opportunity to participate in an informal hearing regarding the proposed rulemaking, should one be held.

2024 Junk Fees Comment Addendum

February 6

TINA.org submits a second comment responding to the FTC’s proposed rule to ban junk fees and showcasing the ongoing need for an FTC rule. In the year since the last comment, TINA.org published several new ad alerts informing consumers about a variety of junk fees and deceptive pricing issues, and has tracked an additional 20 class-action lawsuits in which plaintiffs are seeking compensation for misleading fees. In addition, TINA.org’s 2024 comment highlights a number of complaints from our readers detailing their experiences with paying unexpected and unfair fees across a wide range of industries. The comment also discusses the disproportionate impact that junk fees have on vulnerable consumers.

2024 Junk Fees Comment

2023

February 8

TINA.org submits a comment in response to the FTC’s request for comments regarding whether to commence a rulemaking proceeding to address junk and hidden fees. In its comment, TINA.org discusses its experience investigating such deceptive marketing tactics, as well as statistics showing how widespread and harmful they are. TINA.org also expresses support for the Commission’s commencement of a rulemaking proceeding, especially in the wake of the Supreme Court’s AMG Capital Management decision, as a rule will substantially improve the agency’s ability to combat and deter deception and unfairness in this area.