PRICE TAGS WITH A STING — Fighting Back Against California’s Junk Fees
Not every cost you see at checkout is as innocent as it looks
Across California, consumers are discovering that “junk fees” can quietly inflate prices and drain bank accounts—sometimes without warning. These hidden charges can turn a great deal into a costly surprise, especially when companies rely on fine print and last-minute disclosures to slip them in.
R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys help Californians challenge unfair pricing practices, hold businesses accountable, and enforce laws designed to protect you from deceptive cost padding.
What Are Junk Fees?
Junk fees are extra charges tacked on to the cost of a product or service—fees that often aren’t disclosed until you’re about to pay. They can appear in:
Hotel resort fees
Mortgage closing costs
Student loan service fees
Airline family seating charges
While businesses may claim these are standard, the reality is that they can mislead consumers about the true cost of a transaction.
California’s “Hidden Fees Statute”
In July 2024, California enacted the Hidden Fees Statute, requiring businesses to disclose the total price of goods or services up front—without burying additional charges later. This law applies to a wide range of transactions, helping consumers compare prices accurately and avoid bait-and-switch tactics.
Under the statute, companies:
Cannot advertise a lower price that excludes mandatory fees
Must display the full, all-inclusive cost from the outset
Face penalties for noncompliance
The Ongoing Problem
Even with the Hidden Fees Statute in place, some companies still try to disguise extra charges using complex language or misleading price breakdowns. These tactics can cause consumers to overspend without realizing it—especially in high-cost transactions like travel, housing, or education.
While junk fees may not directly lower your credit score, they can impact your ability to manage bills, budget effectively, and avoid financial strain.
Your Legal Options
If you’ve been hit with undisclosed junk fees in California, you may have grounds to:
Demand a refund for improperly charged amounts
File a complaint with state regulators
Pursue legal action under California’s consumer protection laws
How R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys Can Take Action
Our legal team investigates pricing practices, identifies violations, and fights to recover money wrongfully taken through hidden fees. We:
Review your receipts, contracts, and communications for evidence
Confront businesses that violate disclosure laws
Represent you in negotiations or litigation to recover overcharges
Work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win
Don’t let hidden fees drain your wallet. Contact R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys today for a free consultation and put the law to work protecting your hard-earned money.
