The Federal Trade Commission proposes a ban on junk fees and says hidden charges push up prices

By JOSH BOAK
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Trade Commission has proposed a rule to ban any hidden and bogus junk fees, which can mask the total cost of concert tickets, hotel rooms and utility bills. President Joe Biden has made the removal of these fees a priority of his administration. Administration officials have said these additional costs can mislead, inflate prices and waste people’s time. FTC Chair Lina Khan says violators will be subject to civil penalties and be required to “pay back Americans that they tricked.” Some business groups are skeptical people will realize savings. The Democratic president plans to speak about the plan Wednesday in the White House Rose Garden.