On September 2, the Massachusetts Attorney General, Andrea Joy Campbell, announced the effective date of those regulations targeting supposed “junk fees.” As previously covered by InfoBytes, the regulations required businesses operating in Massachusetts, including online and out-of-state businesses, to disclose all mandatory fees upfront, enable easy cancellation of trial offers and subscriptions, and prevent hidden or purported unnecessary charges.
Campbell emphasized these rules established “junk fees” as deceptive pricing practices and violated the state’s Consumer Protection Act. She iterated these regulations would assist consumers in understanding the total cost of a product or service upfront; avoiding unnecessary, optional or waivable charges; and easily canceling unwanted trial offers and subscriptions. Additionally, Attorney General Campbell stated the regulations were designed to “level the playing field for businesses by promoting trust and fair competition,” and affirmed her office’s intent to enforce these rules. Finally, Campbell encouraged consumers who encountered unfair or deceptive practices related to “junk fees” to submit a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office.
As previously covered by InfoBytes, Attorney General Campbell’s office also released compliance resources for businesses in August.
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