Nov. 22 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Justice Department is reviewing statements and actions by banks and their trade associations regarding possible increases in consumer fees for using debit cards.

Assistant Attorney General Ronald Weich made the comments in a letter released today by Representative Peter Welch, a Democrat from Vermont. Authorities are examining whether antitrust laws were violated, the letter says.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Justin Blum at jblum4@bloomberg.net