Dear John,

Junk fees are extra hidden charges we don’t know about until they show up on the bill.

They’re a bait and switch, where the thing that gets switched is how much money comes out of our wallets. They’re a kind of false advertising, where the price advertised is not the actual price you pay. And they’re a form of manipulation, making it impossible to comparison-shop between similar items. You obviously aren’t able to compare hidden fees until you see them.

Now the Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on a rule that would ban hidden fees. The proposed rule would require that businesses state upfront what consumers will pay for what they will get. All mandatory fees would be required to be disclosed when quoting a price.

Before this rule can be implemented, the FTC must hear from us, the public. Let’s hold greedy corporations accountable! Click here to submit an official comment to the FTC to let them know you support the proposed rule.

Junk fees show up in buying an airplane ticket, when we have to pay extra for luggage, changing a flight, or even just being allowed to sit next to family or friends. They show up in renting a car, when we may have to pay extra to pick it up at the airport, or for highway tolls, or -- amazingly -- to cover the basic costs of vehicle maintenance. They show up in buying concert tickets, booking a hotel room, paying utility bills, even renting an apartment.

When the actual cost of a thing is not what is advertised, this is an unethical deception. Junk fees cost American consumers tens of billions every year. This rule would be good for consumers and for honest businesses, creating fair competition on a level playing field.

Let the FTC know what you think and let’s bring an end to all these junk fees!

Thank you for speaking up!

Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action