Syed Fights for ‘Junk Fee Ban Act’ to Protect Consumers from Hidden Fees

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The ‘Junk Fee Ban Act,’ a consumer protection measure state Rep. Nabeela Syed, D-Inverness, is fighting for, would crack down on last-minute mandatory fees and bait-and-switch tactics that jack up prices without warning.

“High prices are already posing a serious challenge for Illinois families, and the bait-and-switch tactics of surprise ‘convenience fees’ and ‘service charges’ only makes things harder,” Syed said. “Companies advertise reasonable amounts upfront and then jack up costs with mandatory fees to lure customers into spending beyond their means. The Junk Fee Ban Act outlines a clear and simple framework for putting a stop to this practice.”

Syed is continuing her fight against high costs and deceptive business practices with her support of Senate Bill 1486, the Junk Fee Ban Act. This measure would prevent businesses from advertising prices for goods or services without including all mandatory fees upfront. The Attorney General would be empowered to enforce this requirement under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Exceptions are carved out for food service establishments, retail outlets, wireless carriers, insurance companies, and rental companies. The Junk Fee Ban Act has the support of the Illinois State Bar Association, the AARP, the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, and numerous consumer’s rights groups.

“It’s an unfortunately common experience to find a seemingly affordable purchase only to have expenses ultimately increase by 50% or 60%,” Syed said. “Customers deserve to know what they’re paying upfront.”