Attorney General Tom Corbett is cautioning consumers to be watchful for undisclosed fees or "surcharges" that some businesses may attempt to charge in connection with rising fuel and energy costs.

"Over the past several weeks we have heard from a number of consumers who have reported businesses attempting to impose 'surcharges' to cover higher fuel or energy prices, even though those fees were never disclosed in advertised prices or contracts," Corbett said. "Consumers should carefully review contracts for disclosure information about any added fees and also check any invoices or bills for additional charges they did not authorize."

Corbett said that reports have surfaced across the country about "energy surcharges" or other related fees being added to bills involving everything from pest control services and floral deliveries to vacation packages and cruises. Consumers have been surprised by fees that were not clearly disclosed before purchases were made, or worse, fees that were added after the goods or services had already been purchased.

Corbett noted that businesses must clearly disclose any additional fees when quoting prices in order to avoid confusion or "sticker shock" when consumers get their bills.

Corbett noted that many businesses are already taking steps to inform consumers that energy or fuel prices may increase in the future and have taken steps to incorporate those increases into their regular rates - adding that rapidly rising energy prices can take a toll on businesses and consumers alike. Still, Corbett emphasized that the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection is concerned about the impact that undisclosed fees can have on consumers who are already struggling with higher prices.

"The total price of a product or service is a key factor in any purchase, and is something that needs to be disclosed to consumers upfront," Corbett said. "Any business intending to collect an added fee for fuel or energy must disclose those charges when they advertise their prices."

Corbett urged consumers to dispute any added charges that were not disclosed in the quoted or advertised price.

Consumers with questions or problems should contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555 or file an online consumer complaint using the Attorney General's website.

NewsClip: State Warns About Energy Surcharges

5/30/2008