On March 12, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission issued an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking public comment on a proposed rulemaking to address potential unfair or deceptive fee practices in connection with rental housing.
FTC Issues FAQs on ‘Junk Fees’ Rule
The Federal Trade Commission’s Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees, sometimes called the “Junk Fees Rule,” took effect on May 12, 2025. In advance of that effective date, the FTC published Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to provide guidance to consumers and businesses regarding the Rule.
FTC Targets Adobe for Hidden Fees and Deceptive Subscription Practices
On June 17, 2024, the FTC filed a federal court complaint against Adobe and two of its executives. The complaint alleges that Adobe deceived consumers by failing to adequately disclose that its annual subscription plans were subject to an ETF and by making it difficult for consumers to cancel their annual subscription plans.
CFPB Launches Public Inquiry into Rising Mortgage Closing Costs and ‘Junk Fees’
On May 30, 2024, the CFPB issued a new request for information (RFI) from the public regarding “why closing costs are increasing, who is benefiting, and how costs for borrowers and lenders could be lowered.”
As part of a wider effort targeting what both the CFPB and the Biden administration refer to as “junk fees,”
FTC Takes Action Against Doxo, Citing Junk Fees
The FTC recently took action against bill payment company Doxo and its co-founders, accusing them of engaging in deceptive “junk fee” practices that harmed consumers. The FTC’s complaint alleges that Doxo used misleading search ads and deceptive designs to conceal millions of dollars in “junk fees.”
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California AG Publishes FAQs on California’s ‘Junk Fee’ Law
On May 8, 2024, the California Attorney General released a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help businesses comply with SB 478, California’s soon-to-be effective “Hidden Fees Statute,” a law intended to address so-called “junk fees” by prohibiting “drip pricing.”
CFPB Releases Report Highlighting Junk Fees in Mortgage Servicing
On April 24, 2024, the CFPB unveiled its latest edition of Supervisory Highlights, shedding light on its ongoing battle against what it deems as “junk fees” imposed by mortgage servicers.
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Tim Butler Quoted in LA Times Article on California ‘Junk Fees’
Timothy A. Butler, a shareholder in GT’s Financial Regulatory & Compliance Practice, is quoted in a Los Angeles Times article titled “Perch charges diners ‘security’ fee at downtown L.A. rooftop spot, sparking outrage.” The article discusses California’s upcoming ban on “junk fees,” previously reported in an October 2023 GT Alert.
CFPB Issues Proposed Rule to Stop ‘Junk Fees’ on Bank Accounts
On Jan. 24, 2024, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released a proposed rule that would, if finalized in its present form, prohibit financial institutions from charging non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees when consumers initiate transactions that are instantaneously or near-instantaneously declined. Under the proposed “Fees for Instantaneously Declined Transactions rule (the “NSF Fee Rule”), charging