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MA Consumer Law Questions and Answers

Topic	Replies	Created	Last reply
False Advertising 29-Apr-2008 2:37 PM -- slr I have been duped by a car dealership. 1st, they sent out a 4 page ad...which I feel is very misleading and c...	0	4 years 39 weeks ago by admin	n/a
Gift Card 24-Apr-2008 12:09 PM -- CBEARHi there:I was under the understanding that gift cards in MA must be valid for 7 years. However, the back of the card say...	0	4 years 39 weeks ago by admin	n/a
business day 27-Mar-2008 10:46 AM -- nancy terp Is there somewhere in the law that defines a 'business day'? 28-Mar-2008 6:01 AM -- t...	0	4 years 39 weeks ago by admin	n/a
Automobile return by consumer 10-Mar-2008 10:10 AM -- TSILVAIF I HAVE SIGNED A P&S AND CONTRACT AND HAVE DRIVEN OFF THE LOT IN A CAR WITH MY TRANSFER OF PLATES FROM MY TRADE IN...	0	4 years 39 weeks ago by admin	n/a
Mass. Lemon Law Question 25-Jan-2008 10:59 AM -- rsl1506 I'm aware of the lemon law in MA, but I was wondering if and "as is" bill of sale can be used to skirt t...	0	4 years 39 weeks ago by admin	n/a
Bill Payment by telephone I pay most of my bill via internet but on occasion I have to pay by phone. When I went to pay a bill this week by phone the customer service rep told...	1	4 years 33 weeks ago by Anonymous	4 years 33 weeks ago by The Editor
Foreclosure Process How does foreclosure work under Massachusetts law, and how long will it take the bank to get my house?	1	4 years 29 weeks ago by Anonymous	4 years 29 weeks ago by The Editor
Can Utilities Shut off my Heat or Electric? Is is true that Massachusetts law does not allow the utilities to shut off the heat for non-payment?	1	4 years 27 weeks ago by Anonymous	4 years 27 weeks ago by The Editor
Storage Fee Charged by Mechanic After my care broke down I had it towed to a Massachusetts mechanic. He called be two days later with an estimate. I called him back the next week t...	1	4 years 25 weeks ago by Anonymous	4 years 24 weeks ago by The Editor
Debt Collectors Can you point me to the Massachusetts law that limits debt collection practices?	1	4 years 22 weeks ago by Bigdebtor	4 years 22 weeks ago by The Editor
sued illegally by debt collector? I was sued by an unlicensed debt collector Norfolk Financial Corp.,who has a business in Massachusetts. I was originally sued in Small Claims Court an...	0	4 years 22 weeks ago by Anonymous	n/a
Business Receipt Requirement Doesn't Massachusetts Consumer Protection Law require a business operating in Massachusetts to provide a customer with a written receipt for products ...	0	4 years 20 weeks ago by MWyson	n/a
What is "Unfair or Deceptive" under MA 93A? How do I know if what a business did to me qualifies as a unfair or deceptive act under Massachusetts law (Chapter 93A)? Is there a definition somewh...	1	4 years 19 weeks ago by Trike	4 years 19 weeks ago by The Editor
Electronic Payment for MA Health Club Is it legal for a health club to require me to pay by automatic electronic funds transfer from my bank? The club I am thinking about joining seems to...	1	4 years 17 weeks ago by LilllyG	4 years 17 weeks ago by The Editor
NULL NULL	0	4 years 17 weeks ago by krishinboston	n/a
How do I Prove a 93A Claim? Long story,short: I think I have a claim under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act. If the merchant ignores my claim what, exactly, will I have...	1	4 years 7 weeks ago by tellme	4 years 7 weeks ago by The Editor
Gym membership not advertised as 6 days vs. 7 I recently joined a gym in November of 2008 prior to it opening (it opens next week). They did not decide until recently that this gym would only be ...	1	4 years 5 weeks ago by Jblake	4 years 5 weeks ago by The Editor
Can a business sue under 93A? I own a small business in Massachusetts (incorporated). Can I sue another business using the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Law (93A)?	1	4 years 4 weeks ago by tricked	4 years 4 weeks ago by The Editor
implied warranty and consumer rights I purchased a piece of machinery for my shop.I paid $25,000.00 for it.It is now 1 1/2 years old and it won't work right it keeps shutting off. The rep...	1	4 years 3 weeks ago by nicholasgram	4 years 3 weeks ago by The Editor
93 A misrepresentation of Brand New Home bought 2006 First question, I have been told the statue of limitation is 3 years and also 6 years. Three years will be May 31st, 2009. I have more documentation I...	1	4 years 1 week ago by cherilouise777	4 years 1 week ago by The Editor
Real estate agent and MA 93A Just bought a house and then discovered some major problems with the fire place and chimney. The front of the fireplace had a crack in it and I asked ...	1	4 years 6 days ago by Anonymous	4 years 6 days ago by The Editor
Incorrect pricing at stores I am wondering what the rule is on items that are incorrectly priced--I was at Walmart and an item rang-in higher that it should have--is there a law ...	1	4 years 3 days ago by golfboy287	4 years 15 hours ago by The Editor
Unfair and deceptive practice by a thrift institution in a mortgage refinancing I applied for a mortgage at a very good rate on March 20, 2009. The rate lock expired on May 19, 2009.One week before the expiration the broker infor...	1	3 years 51 weeks ago by DUHACAN	3 years 51 weeks ago by The Editor
Unauthorized service performed by lawn company We had been receiving lawn fertilization services from a lawn care company last year. This year, without our approval, they just went ahead without no...	0	3 years 51 weeks ago by torbd237	n/a
Can I cure default on car loan Hi. I'm having trouble making my car payments the last few months. A while ago I got a notice that said I could 'cure' the default if a I paid the amo...	1	3 years 49 weeks ago by tricks093	3 years 49 weeks ago by The Editor
Use of word "sale" by merchant or business in MA Can you please provide a link or article referring to the use of the world sale in Massachusetts state law? Thanks in advance.	1	3 years 48 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 48 weeks ago by The Editor
Length of Health Club contracts I like the health club that is closest to my home but I'm wondering about the contract because it's for 24 months and that seems kind of long. Doesn't...	1	3 years 48 weeks ago by CThomas	3 years 48 weeks ago by The Editor
Do I have to show my receipt or stop for false alarms by store security sensors? Those merchandise theft sensors at stores always give false alarms. You don't need a scientific study to conclude that an overwhelming majority of the...	2	3 years 47 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 44 weeks ago by j4bs4209333
Can I get my money back for used car or truck purchased in MA? I pruchased a truck for $350 and the person who I purchased it from said it ran fine when he parked it and that the only thing it needs is a starter a...	1	3 years 47 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 47 weeks ago by The Editor
New law in Fall River MA, is it legal? I heard today that the Mayor of that city has placed a new law that if more than 5 people are standing on a sidewalk anywhere in the city, they will a...	0	3 years 46 weeks ago by irishtemper	n/a
Debt collectors trying to collect disputed debt I just got a notice from a debt collector claiming they have a judgement against me and demanding money (I think this has to do with an old dispu...	1	3 years 46 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 46 weeks ago by The Editor
Home improvement contractor dispute and MA consumer protection law We are trying to resolve a dispute with our home improvement contractor over a relatively small amount ($1,200, the cost of a replacement bathtub). T...	1	3 years 45 weeks ago by Stringer	3 years 45 weeks ago by The Editor
Are Bride and Groom entitled to a refund? My son was recently married. At the wedding reception the restaurant lost most of their power due to what they said was a traffic accident up the roa...	2	3 years 45 weeks ago by skimo0412	3 years 44 weeks ago by skimo0412
Can I sue a non-corporate business? A consumer law page on mass.gov states that I can sue any of the following: an individual (use the proper names, do not use nicknames) an individu...	1	3 years 44 weeks ago by dgucwa	3 years 44 weeks ago by The Editor
consumer law of other states (New Hampshire) about gift cards I purchased a gift card in New Hampshire over the weekend and was told that if my nephew did not use it within a certain amount of time certain yearly...	2	3 years 42 weeks ago by Anonymous	2 years 3 weeks ago by admin
Cancelation of advertised contest a violation? If a company with headquarters in Massachusetts publicly and repeatedly announces via website and press release that a contest is to be held with a si...	1	3 years 41 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 41 weeks ago by The Editor
Bounced check and Chexsystems I'm not sure I know exactly what ChexSystems is (or is it Chex System?). Is it like a credit reporting agency for bounced checks? Will I always get re...	1	3 years 41 weeks ago by Walking	3 years 41 weeks ago by The Editor
Car Purchase contract Have signed purchase and sale agreement along with signed loan. We were to pick the car up today. Instead the dealership calls to say that the trade d...	1	3 years 41 weeks ago by Onslo	3 years 40 weeks ago by The Editor
Does MA consumer law require rain-checks? I was told that MA consumer law requires retailers to offer a rain check even if they advertise a limited quantity. I went to buy a video game consol...	1	3 years 39 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 39 weeks ago by The Editor
Sample Massachusetts 93A demand letter In many of your answers you talk about sending a 93A demand letter (under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A) but I haven't seen a sample anywhere...	2	3 years 38 weeks ago by Anonymous	1 year 46 weeks ago by Szklasz Esq.
Triple damages under MA consumer protection law I sent the demand letter and I'm waiting to hear back from a mechanic that ripped me off. If they give any kind of a response, does that mean I'm no ...	1	3 years 38 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 38 weeks ago by The Editor
Deceptive pricing at outlet stores I like going to the outlet stores in Massachusetts and other states, but I have a hard time buying some their pricing claims. What I'm talking about ...	1	3 years 36 weeks ago by TWilson	3 years 36 weeks ago by The Editor
Car insurance: policy contract not compliant with Chapter 175: Section 113O? To whom it may concern, according to a site I visited, "According to the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, if an object damages your windshiel...	0	3 years 36 weeks ago by grtswift	n/a
Execution on real estate deed Hello I own a property with my husband as tenants by the entirety. If a credit card company wins a judgment against me for debt solely in my name...	1	3 years 36 weeks ago by jriddle	3 years 36 weeks ago by The Editor
Debt collector making too many telephone calls I'm almost certain that I'm dealing with a debt collector who's breaking the law by making too many telephone calls. Recently, they've called three a...	2	3 years 34 weeks ago by Angrydebtor	3 years 23 weeks ago by please
Buying and registering a moped in MA I'm in the market for a moped for my 15 year-old son. Is there a new law in Massachusetts that requires me to register a moped like it was a motorcyc...	1	3 years 33 weeks ago by RSmithson	3 years 33 weeks ago by The Editor
Fraudulent item appearing on credit report We recently discovered an negative item from 11/07 on my husband's credit report. Neither he nor I have any knowledge of the item; it appears someone...	1	3 years 32 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 32 weeks ago by The Editor
Unfair and deceptive misrepresentation by real estate agent and triple damages The way I understand the law in Massachusetts, sellers and real estate agents don't need to tell you everything about a house you are buying, but they...	1	3 years 31 weeks ago by MHorton	3 years 31 weeks ago by The Editor
Daycare Contract valid after child was abused? I enrolled my 3/y.o. daughter in a daycare in Swampscott, MA. I signed a document saying I read and understood the parent contract. The parent agree...	1	3 years 31 weeks ago by Venom95	3 years 31 weeks ago by The Editor
food contaminated by insect (grasshopper) There is a grasshopper buried in the cupcake it can clearly seen that it was berried in when it was made can i get some compensation from company how ...	1	3 years 30 weeks ago by prask	3 years 30 weeks ago by The Editor
Seller liable for wood stove installed without permit? The past owner installed a pellet stove himself, without getting a permit for it. The inspection before we bought the house didnt say anything about t...	1	3 years 29 weeks ago by Mrs. Law	3 years 29 weeks ago by The Editor
Insurance company unfair and deceptive under MA 93A? My husband and I are having a miserable time with our home owner's insurance company getting them to settle our claim and pay us a fair price for dama...	1	3 years 28 weeks ago by Wendy56	3 years 28 weeks ago by The Editor
Can stores require a receipt for return of merchandise? Doesn't Massachusetts law require stores to take back merchandise that's unopened and give a refund even if I don't have the receipt anymore? The sto...	1	3 years 27 weeks ago by angry_shopper	3 years 27 weeks ago by The Editor
MA gift certificate laws and gift card laws Started shopping this week and a shocking number of people on my list want gift certificates instead of something I have to wrap. Can you please summa...	2	3 years 26 weeks ago by Anonymous	5 weeks 4 days ago by KMM
Real Estate tenancy covered by 93A A private human services company leased my property for an assisted living operation. At the start of the lease I asked to be named as an additional ...	1	3 years 26 weeks ago by century33	3 years 26 weeks ago by The Editor
Old CC debt statute of limitations questions Hello, I just received a summons for a complaint for judgment on some CC debt that I believe to be at least 6 years old. 1. does the statute of ...	1	3 years 25 weeks ago by thanksforthehelp	3 years 23 weeks ago by please
Golf passes fit MA law definition of gift certificate? I currently reside in Massachusetts and I have bought some golf passes around January of 2009. I was under the assumption that these golf passes would...	1	3 years 25 weeks ago by philipthechen	3 years 25 weeks ago by The Editor
Is a merchandise credit same as a gift certificate under MA consumer law? I have a merchandise credit that is a couple of years old that I got from a Massachusetts store. Can you tell me how long the credit is good for? What...	1	3 years 24 weeks ago by ReganL	3 years 24 weeks ago by The Editor
Gift Certificate from a closed business Earlier this year I bought a gift certificate from a nice restaurant as a gift for a friend. A couple months later the establishment closed down befor...	2	3 years 24 weeks ago by Foodie	3 years 24 weeks ago by please
Cancellation or cooling off period for consumer contract You said in one of your other posts that Massachusetts does not have a law that allows consumers to cancel contracts within a certain period of time, ...	1	3 years 23 weeks ago by FTReed	3 years 23 weeks ago by The Editor
Regulation of fortune tellers in MA My daughter insists on going to a fortune teller in the town where she lives, in Massachusetts. I worry about her wasting her money on this crook, bu...	1	3 years 21 weeks ago by SueK	3 years 21 weeks ago by The Editor
Attorneys fees with 93A consumer protection claim I'm in the middle of a battle with my landlord who has violated MA 93A (consumer protection act) so many ways it isn't funny. My actual damages are l...	1	3 years 19 weeks ago by TheRonald	3 years 19 weeks ago by The Editor
Can I be denied auto insurance because of my bad credit in MA? I'm shopping for a used car now but I was wondering if I'll be able to get insurance. My credit score is pretty bad because a few mistakes I made whe...	1	3 years 18 weeks ago by Bags1979	3 years 18 weeks ago by The Editor
Unlicensed debt collector I was contacted in September by a unlicensed debt collector. I quickly sent a debt validation letter and received no response. They made a total of ab...	1	3 years 18 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 18 weeks ago by The Editor
Unlicensed Attorney I recently hired a retired attorney for a civil case, currently in Superior Court, who did not represent to me he was in retired status. Under BBO rul...	2	3 years 17 weeks ago by BLACKDOG	3 years 9 weeks ago by BLACKDOG
Can credit card debt lawsuit be dismissed? A friend is being sued,the Attorney did not sign the statement of damages form GLc218 19A is this something that will get a dismissal? I know the fina...	1	3 years 17 weeks ago by moody362	3 years 17 weeks ago by The Editor
Statute of limitations on debt collection The statute of limitations under the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act states that it must be commenced within one year. Massachusetts debt collecti...	4	3 years 17 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 17 weeks ago by irishpat77
Lying about car loan and financing rate Is it illegal in Massachusetts for a used car dealer to get you to put down a deposit on a car based on a promised financing rate then tell you you ha...	1	3 years 16 weeks ago by SLM	3 years 16 weeks ago by The Editor
Unauthorized disclosure of medical records a violation of 93A? I'm being sued by my insane neighbor for assault after he started a fight with me. His attorney is trying to get my medical records from the hospital...	1	3 years 15 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 15 weeks ago by The Editor
Can a MA Auto dealer reneg on a purchase agreement I purchased a car on 1/9/10, negotiated a price, signed a contract, gave a deposit and was awaiting title. When I test drove the vehicle it was noted...	1	3 years 15 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 15 weeks ago by The Editor
Exemtions from judgment I have a judgment against me but my income SSDI is exempt. I do not have any assets at this time. I have heard about the laws being changed for exempt...	0	3 years 15 weeks ago by Anonymous	n/a
Supermarket advertising errors I clip coupons every week to try and save a bit. This week our local 'big' supermarket had a flyer in the paper with a great deal on paper towels. I...	1	3 years 14 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 14 weeks ago by The Editor
USED AUTO DEAL WE PURCHASED A 9 YEAR OLD CAR FROM A PERSON (CALL HIM MR. X) WHO REPRESENTED HIMSELF AS A PRIVATE PARTY, BUT OWNS A TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS. HE NEVER...	1	3 years 14 weeks ago by dingram	3 years 14 weeks ago by The Editor
Motorcycles covered by MA Lemon Law? Just wondering if I keep having trouble with my new motorcycle can I use the Massachusetts Lemon Law to force the dealer to give me a replacement? Th...	1	3 years 13 weeks ago by Tater	3 years 13 weeks ago by The Editor
Chapter 93 Demand letter My 80 year mother has a Burnham boiler that has a 10 year warranty on the heat exchanger which has rusted out and needs to be replaced. The warranty i...	4	3 years 13 weeks ago by arturosambuca	1 year 21 weeks ago by The Editor
legal steps for repossession of car in MA Hello. My lender is threatening verbally to repossess my car. I'm behind on the payments but I'm doing everything I can to make the payments. Do yo...	1	3 years 11 weeks ago by Whiskey	3 years 11 weeks ago by The Editor
Punitive damages Is it possible to sue for punitive damages in small claims court? I'm taking Dell Financial to small claims for charging a late payment fee because...	1	3 years 11 weeks ago by mitchmcc	3 years 11 weeks ago by The Editor
MA law about lay away plans I "purchased" some clothing recently from a store in Boston and placed the items on lay away. I found the description of the service (given by the cl...	1	3 years 10 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 10 weeks ago by admin
Door to door sales law in MA. My elderly mother just purchased an extremely expensive vacuum cleaner from a door to door salesperson. She doesn't seem too upset and actually wants...	1	3 years 9 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 9 weeks ago by The Editor
breach of agreement - BUYING USED CAR from Private Party I was buying a USED car from a private party. The private party had the CAR "On LEASE" from Honda Finance. I agreed to buy his CAR on sale price $X...	0	3 years 9 weeks ago by vinod_kgupta	n/a
Refund of health club fee if I get laid off in MA? I paid for a year at my health club and then got laid off three weeks later. Nice timing huh? Is there any Massachusetts law that would allow me to ...	1	3 years 8 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 8 weeks ago by The Editor
Home contractor registration number In the next few months I'm going to start a project on my house. I've already talked to one contractor about the job. I thought I could get his regis...	1	3 years 7 weeks ago by Beans	3 years 7 weeks ago by The Editor
Price gouging for gasoline I have a question that's been bothering me for years, or as long as I've been buying gas. I notice that whenever I hear about on the news that there ...	1	3 years 6 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 6 weeks ago by The Editor
Automatically renewing home security contract legal in MA? What the heck? I just got my credit card bill and there is a charge for my home security contract that I did not want to renew. I sent a letter aski...	1	3 years 5 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 5 weeks ago by The Editor
93a apply to individuals in a real estate sale? I just bought a new house two weeks ago and came home yesterday to find that my neighbor had a surveyor come out to find the property lines. My shed, ...	1	3 years 5 weeks ago by jonwit	3 years 5 weeks ago by The Editor
Receipt required when customer requests one If a consumer of a product or service asks for a receipt or some form of documented proof of purchase for a product or service, is the provider obliga...	0	3 years 4 weeks ago by bostonguy1970	n/a
Home Improvement Contractor and Chapter 93A letter I have a problem with a Home Improvement contractor. I signed a contract to have to have some work in a new house that I’m building. The contractor...	1	3 years 4 weeks ago by arturosambuca	3 years 4 weeks ago by The Editor
When is a refusal of demand in "good faith?" If a letter of demand is sent to a professional licensed in the field that the alleged violation occurred and explicitly spelled out the behavior in q...	1	3 years 4 weeks ago by scorpio11679	3 years 4 weeks ago by The Editor
Documentation fee at MA car dealer I was in the final stages of closing on a deal last week when the car dealer brought out the paper work and there was a $350 documentation fee added t...	1	3 years 3 weeks ago by Anonymous	3 years 3 weeks ago by The Editor
Surcharges for using credit card in Massachusetts. I notice at a little store I shop at sometimes that the owner charges more for credit card sale than she does for a cash or check sale. Is that type ...	1	3 years 2 weeks ago by Tyra	3 years 2 weeks ago by The Editor
False advertising of vehicle price I found a car for sale online at a certain price. I call up the dealership to purchase the car which they mention they will not sell it for the adver...	1	3 years 1 week ago by Anonymous	3 years 1 week ago by The Editor
Suing Massachusetts car dealer outside small claims court. I'll spare you the details, but I think I was the victim of an unfair and deceptive sales practice by a used car dealer in Massachusetts. If I do a d...	1	3 years 16 hours ago by MadMad	3 years 15 hours ago by The Editor
Is minor in MA bound by a contract? My daughter, who is 17 years old and lives with us, entered a contract for a cell phone service agreement that we all now wish she hadn't. My questio...	1	2 years 50 weeks ago by Anonymous	2 years 50 weeks ago by The Editor
MA car repossession from private property I have not paid my car payments and the car is being repossessed. I understand this and know I can't stop the repossession, but I want to keep the ca...	1	2 years 49 weeks ago by GGH	2 years 49 weeks ago by The Editor
Can small business sue another business under MA 93A? I (my small business) had a contract with a MA company to perform landscaping work outside our building. I paid them nearly a couple thousand dollars...	1	2 years 48 weeks ago by Anonymous	2 years 48 weeks ago by The Editor
Car dealers and credit applications Do you think it's illegal or an "unfair and deceptive" act for car dealers to do radio ads where they say "all credit applications will be accepted"? ...	1	2 years 47 weeks ago by Vineman	2 years 47 weeks ago by The Editor
Repo Car after bankruptcy My husband and I filed for bankruptcy last year. We had to reaffirm our car loan; we have since fell behind on those payments and the car was just re...	1	2 years 46 weeks ago by mama24	2 years 46 weeks ago by The Editor
Lost coat at restaurant in MA I don't know why I'm asking about this now, given how hot it is, but two months ago I checked my coat at a function room where a wedding was being hel...	1	2 years 45 weeks ago by MinR	2 years 45 weeks ago by The Editor
School Gym Hi, I could not find anything regarding this issue after some hours of research My Private schools gym is shared with 2 other schools. The gym has ...	1	2 years 45 weeks ago by Anonymous	2 years 45 weeks ago by The Editor
Landlord is unfair and deceptive under MA 93A? OK, I read the other thread about Unfair and deceptive practices but I'm thinking there must be more of a definitions somewhere to help people decide ...	1	2 years 44 weeks ago by Lawrencekad	2 years 44 weeks ago by The Editor