Bought Contacts Online? Watch for Hidden 'Taxes & Fees' That Can Double Your Bill

What changed, and why it matters to you

On October 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), joined by the Utah and Nevada Attorneys General, sued contact lens retailer Lens.com. They say the company advertised eye-catching low prices in search ads and on its website, then added a big, mandatory 'Taxes & fees' charge at checkout.

The complaint says this hidden charge often doubled the advertised price of the lenses. Regulators allege it has cost consumers hundreds of millions of dollars over time.

Contact lenses are a health necessity for millions of people. If you order them online, this case is a reminder to check the final total before you pay, not just the price in the ad.

The tricks regulators say to watch for

The FTC complaint describes a few moves worth knowing about. First, the 'Taxes & fees' line was allegedly buried below the viewable part of the screen at checkout. A big 'Continue' button encouraged shoppers to click without scrolling down to see the extra charge.

Second, the label itself was misleading, the complaint says. 'Taxes & fees' suggests state sales tax. But many states exempt contact lenses from sales tax or have no sales tax at all.

Third, the complaint says the company used these low prices to push people into an 'AutoRefill' subscription that automatically charged for future shipments. Regulators allege the company did not clearly explain the same hidden fee, how to cancel, or the deadline to cancel before a new charge hit.

What to do now to protect your money

Before you buy contacts online anywhere, scroll all the way down on the checkout page. Look at the full total, including any 'taxes,' 'fees,' or 'handling' lines, before you enter your card.

If you signed up for an auto refill or subscription plan, check your account and your card statements. Find the cancel button and the cancel deadline. Write it down.

If you think you were charged a fee you never agreed to, you have options. You can ask the seller for a refund, dispute the charge with your bank or card company, and report the problem to the FTC. Reporting is free.

Frequently asked questions

Does this mean I will automatically get money back?

No. This is a lawsuit, not a settlement with payments. If refunds are ever ordered, the FTC posts official refund information. Reporting your experience helps, but there is no guaranteed payout.

Is it free to report a company to the FTC?

Yes. Reporting to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov is always free. Your state Attorney General's office also takes complaints for free. No one should charge you to file.

How do I avoid hidden fees when buying contacts online?

Scroll all the way to the bottom of the checkout page before you pay. Compare the advertised price to the final total, including any taxes, fees, or handling charges.

I got stuck in an auto refill plan. What can I do?

Check your account for a cancel option and any cancel deadline. If you were charged without clear notice, ask the seller for a refund and dispute the charge with your bank or card company.