I agree with almost everything you said, except for one thing:
I don't believe the euphemism "hidden fees" helps to clarify the fact that these people are taking money away from people without their knowledge or explicit consent.
We have other more precise words to describe that action. I asked ChatGPT what those could be, here's its answer:
Q: What are some english words meaning "taking money away from people without their knowledge or explicit consent"?
ChatGPT: There are several words and phrases in English that convey the idea of taking money away from people without their knowledge or explicit consent:
Embezzlement: This refers to the act of dishonestly withholding assets for the purpose of theft. It often involves someone in a position of trust, such as an employee, misappropriating funds entrusted to them.
Misappropriation: Similar to embezzlement, misappropriation involves taking something (usually money) for one's own use without permission or legal right, often in a breach of trust.
Theft: Theft is the generic term for taking someone else's property without permission, including money.
Fraud: Fraud involves intentional deception for personal gain, which can include financial deception or stealing.
Swindling: This term implies deceitful behavior to cheat or defraud someone, often involving trickery or manipulation.
Skimming: Skimming refers to the illegal practice of taking cash "off the top" of the proceeds of a business or other source of income without recording it.
Extortion: While not always directly related to taking money without explicit consent, extortion involves obtaining money, property, or services from an individual or entity through coercion or threat.
Pilfering: Pilfering involves stealing small amounts or petty theft, often done stealthily or without detection.
Conning: This refers to the act of deceiving or tricking someone, often for financial gain, through manipulation or persuasion.
Clandestine withdrawals: This phrase specifically refers to taking money from someone's account without their knowledge or consent, typically in a secretive or unauthorized manner.