Massachusetts AG Unveils Tough New Rules To Eliminate Hidden Junk Fees

In a move aimed at shielding consumers from unexpected costs, Massachusetts A.G. Andrea Joy Campbell has introduced comprehensive regulations targeting so-called “junk fees.”

These hidden charges, which often inflate the final price of goods and services beyond what’s initially advertised, will face strict transparency requirements starting next month.

The regulations, first announced in March 2025 during National Consumer Protection Week, are designed to enforce clearer pricing practices across various industries. They officially take effect on September 2, 2025, and build on the state’s longstanding Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive business tactics.

Junk fees—described as surprise or unnecessary add-ons that appear late in transactions—have long frustrated shoppers, from hotel bookings to concert tickets and service subscriptions. Under the new rules, businesses operating in Massachusetts must disclose the full total price, including all mandatory fees, right at the outset of any pricing information.

This disclosure must occur before consumers are asked to provide personal or billing details, ensuring no last-minute surprises. Additionally, companies are required to explain the nature, purpose, and exact amount of any charges. If a fee is optional or can be avoided, businesses must provide clear instructions on how to do so.Special attention is given to trial offers, subscriptions, and recurring charges, which are common culprits for hidden costs.

For these, sellers must outline potential future charges, cancellation deadlines, and straightforward procedures—such as allowing cancellations via the same method used to sign up, like a website. Advance written notices for renewals must include details on upcoming charges and easy opt-out options.

“We’ve all been there: booked a hotel room, purchased concert tickets, or paid for a service that was advertised at one price and then charged for one exponentially higher – all because of hidden junk fees,” Campbell remarked in her announcement, highlighting the everyday frustrations these regulations seek to address.

The initiative falls under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A, the state’s Consumer Protection Law, which empowers both the Attorney General’s Office and individual consumers to challenge deceptive practices. This law broadly defines unfair acts to include charging more than the advertised price or withholding key information that could mislead buyers.

Violators could face legal action, with potential remedies including actual damages, double or triple awards for willful misconduct, and attorney’s fees.For consumers, the benefits are clear: greater upfront transparency will make it easier to compare prices and avoid unwanted expenses. Businesses, meanwhile, are encouraged to review guidance from the Attorney General’s Office to ensure compliance, available online along with the full text of the regulations.

Those suspecting violations can report them via the office’s consumer hotline.As the September 2 deadline approaches, these changes signal a broader push for fairer marketplaces, potentially setting a model for other states grappling with similar issues.

With enforcement kicking in soon, Massachusetts residents can look forward to a more straightforward shopping experience free from the pitfalls of concealed costs.