A friend bought an item after seeing a Facebook ad and soon discovered an extra fee hidden in the transaction. Her experience serves as a reminder to carefully read the fine print when shopping online.
The Federal Trade Commission recently warned 97 auto dealer groups nationwide to stop advertising vehicle prices that omit hidden fees. By insisting that advertised prices include the full cost of the vehicle, the FTC aims to protect consumers from misleading promotional tactics.
In a sweeping legal case that prosecutors call a prime example of predatory billing, the owner of a Pittsburgh towing company pleaded guilty to insurance fraud and related charges. Hidden fees, inflated invoices, and eye-popping “accident services” all played a role in a scheme that now demands massive restitution.
The Federal Trade Commission’s new rule requiring ticket sellers to disclose total prices upfront aims to bring greater transparency to an industry often criticized for hidden fees. Experts, however, caution that while the buying experience may improve, ticket costs are unlikely to decrease.
