In a significant legal move, a class action lawsuit has been filed against two companies accused of deceiving consumers with hidden fees. On April 29, 2025, Philip Cantore lodged the complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Ritual Zero Proof and Route App, Inc. The lawsuit alleges that these companies have been unfairly adding "junk fees" to online shopping carts without consumer consent or knowledge.
The plaintiff, Philip Cantore, claims that both Ritual Zero Proof (RZP), a retailer of non-alcoholic beverages based in Chicago, and Route App, Inc., an e-commerce software company from Lehi, Utah, have engaged in deceptive practices by adding undisclosed fees to consumer purchases. These fees are said to be disguised as "Shipping Protection" charges which are automatically included during the checkout process on RZP's website. According to Cantore’s allegations, these charges mislead consumers into believing they are receiving free or flat-rate shipping when in fact they are not. The complaint argues that such practices violate consumer protection laws and give the defendants an unfair advantage over competitors who do not engage in similar tactics.
Cantore's legal team argues that this practice is not only misleading but also unnecessary since most shipping services already provide insurance for packages up to $100 in value. Furthermore, RZP itself offers a 30-day return policy for damaged goods. Therefore, the additional "Shipping Protection" fee provides no real benefit to consumers but rather serves as an additional revenue stream for both companies involved. The lawsuit highlights how these fees undermine fair competition and mislead consumers about true product costs.
The plaintiff seeks several forms of relief from the court including monetary damages, restitution for affected consumers, and public injunctive relief aimed at stopping these deceptive practices. Additionally, Cantore demands a jury trial and calls for disgorgement of all profits gained through these alleged unlawful practices.
Representing Philip Cantore are attorneys Jeffrey D. Kaliel and Amanda J. Rosenberg from KALIELGOLD PLLC based in Washington D.C., along with Sophia G. Gold from their Oakland office. The case is presided over by judges from the Northern District of Illinois under Case No.: 1:25-cv-04677.