Regardless of your income or lifestyle, your money is your money, so ensuring that you know how it’s being spent is critical. Unfortunately, companies will take advantage of legal language to take your hard-earned mofney through junk fees. Not only do these fees cost consumers billions of dollars annually, but they may also have an impact on your credit score. If you’re unsure what these fees are or how to avoid them, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters and why working with a San Diego consumer lawyer is in your best interest during these complicated matters.
What Are Junk Fees?
When you go to make a purchase, whether it’s paying for a service, product, or even an event, you may be dismayed to find that the final total at checkout is much higher than you expected. For example, if you are purchasing a stay in a hotel room, you may incur additional fees for simply booking the room. This can misrepresent the cost of the service, making it difficult to stay within your budget. Additionally, these hidden fees make it increasingly difficult for consumers to shop for the best prices.
However, these fees are not always explicit. In some instances, companies white these fees in the fine print of contracts, so consumers are unaware of them until their money is gone.
Though junk fees may not directly impact your credit score, if you make a purchase without knowing the full cost due to these hidden fees, you may find that you are unable to make on-time payments, which can then lower your credit score.
Are There Laws in Place to Protect Me?
While there are currently no laws in place to prevent companies from reducing junk fees, it’s important to understand that this is something being discussed by policymakers in the United States.
Despite the fact that there are currently no laws in place to help mitigate junk fees, there are steps you can take as a consumer to reduce exposure to these costs. One of the most important things you can do is read the fine print of all documents or contracts carefully before making purchases or signing agreements. This can help alert you to any hidden costs or fees. If you don’t understand something, you can ask for clarification.
It’s also in your best interest to review all purchases regularly to ensure the price aligns with what you expected. You should always keep copies of the contract in the event you are charged a fee that you never agreed to.
If you are negatively impacted by junk fees that you did not agree to when signing a contract or agreeing to the terms and conditions, it’s imperative to understand your legal options. Generally, one of the most important things you can do during these matters is to connect with an experienced consumer protection attorney. At Barthel Legal, we understand how difficult these matters can be. That is why our team is committed to assisting you through these frustrating issues. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for you if you’re impacted.
