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MA Consumer Law Questions and Answers

Topic	Replies	Created	Last reply
Does MA borrow Statute of Limitations in debt collection case? Does MA borrow statute of limitations on debt collection? I know MA is 6 years, but the Original Creditor is incorporated in Delaware, where the statu...	0	1 week 4 days ago by blimey	n/a
Summer rental in MA when owner sells property My wife and I , along with three other couples, made arrangements to rent a house on Nantucket for five days in July of 2013. In February I sent the l...	0	1 week 6 days ago by Ken Ryan	n/a
Automatic Contract Renewal, Evergreen Clause I leased used equipment here in MA via Balboa Capital in Irvine, CA in 2009 w/ 48 mo term, which was requested to be written with a buyout at lease en...	0	3 weeks 6 days ago by Anonymous	n/a
Never receiived invoice/statement of services performed paid education advocate 2500 retainer in May 2012. Never received an invoice detailing what was spent. I requested an invoice and received no respon...	0	7 weeks 21 hours ago by joyfire23	n/a
refund of car deposit under Massachusetts law Hi Guys, I recently put a deposit on a car that I was intending to buy but the deal went sour and the dealership are refusing to refund my deposit. Ba...	0	10 weeks 4 days ago by duped2012	n/a
"Forced claim" on car insurance by dealer? Had a car with a lien on it, and had begun doing some work to it (within the rules of the lien holder and I's written/signed agreement.) I didn't fini...	0	1 year 1 week ago by evansjay	n/a
Right to Privacy and Back Taxes Sold without notifying owner The town treasurer forwarded my personal (unlisted) contact information without asking me (no consent) to a third party lien holder who purchased my m...	0	1 year 2 weeks ago by nicketynoc	n/a
Course cancelation with no refund policy stated I registered to take a First Aid course with a non-profit group. The course was actually being taught by a company but was sponsored and organized by...	0	1 year 6 weeks ago by makip73	n/a
Tax return garnished for 7+ year old debt In 2004, I withdrew from Salem State College. Because they did not enter my withdrawal into their system on time, I was charged for a semester that I...	0	1 year 14 weeks ago by tropicalsoul	n/a
Bought defective washing machine My wife and I purchased an LG washing machine from Home Depot on 12/21. The machine was delivered 12/28, and died about 10 minutes into the first loa...	0	1 year 17 weeks ago by ggraziano	n/a
sovereign bank ignores dodd/frank act charges 21 overdraft fees in one day! My name is John Rocharz I live in lakeville. My wife, daughter and myself have been displaced from the floods nearly one and a half years ago. I was r...	0	1 year 22 weeks ago by Anonymous	n/a
Verbal contract I made a verbal agreement in April 2010 with a co worker to fix my Jeep and replace the engine and axels with a pick up I bought from him. He agreed t...	0	1 year 33 weeks ago by dalomity	n/a
Contesting Tuition Refund from Proprietary School Regarding tuition reimbursement from a proprietary school: I withdrew from a school and did not realize that (per MGL Chp 255, sec 13K) tuition refund...	0	1 year 34 weeks ago by Anonymous	n/a
Payment option misrepresentation Can a company doing business in Massachusetts verbally agree to a payment plan for services for several months, complete a payment plan document, and ...	0	1 year 51 weeks ago by mbroer	n/a
Unfair service charges without Agreement Hi, I'm MA resident and I have consulted a tax preparer who works online with a website. His office is in Maryland. I thought some of your advise w...	0	2 years 1 week ago by krajkumar2002	n/a
Legal Question - Loan Scam - Who do I go after? Can anyone help me with this legal matter? I lost some money in the following matter, can anyone tell me what to do, and/or who is liable and if I ...	0	2 years 21 weeks ago by richlynn	n/a
Most common consumer complaints in Massachusetts Here is an interesting bit of information: Boston.com recently compiled a list of the top consumer complaints received by the Massachu...	0	2 years 25 weeks ago by The Editor	n/a
Motor Vehicle Purchase Contract Questions I signed a Motor Vehicle Purchase Contract for a new car which the dealer did not have in stock and so he entered 'LOCATE' as stock number and did not...	0	2 years 33 weeks ago by Anonymous	n/a
Home Improvement Contractor Laws Question I hired a carpenter to remodel a small mudroom on my home in Massachusetts. He has a license as Construction Supervisor, which was required for this ...	0	2 years 34 weeks ago by russww	n/a
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
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 8 weeks ago by vinod_kgupta	n/a
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 14 weeks ago by Anonymous	n/a
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
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
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
NULL NULL	0	4 years 17 weeks ago by krishinboston	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 19 weeks ago by MWyson	n/a
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 21 weeks ago by Anonymous	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
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
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
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
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
Limited Warranty and Product Registration Card I purchased some skylights back in 1995 for my house in Massachusetts. They came with a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the seal, if the seal ever leaked...	1	4 weeks 6 days ago by pkelly825	4 weeks 6 days ago by The Editor
Cancelled Wedding and Refund from Venue My fiance and I have recently cancelled our wedding. To book the venue there was a $1000 non-refundable deposit, which we understand. The wedding wa...	1	6 weeks 5 days ago by crystalls1	6 weeks 4 days ago by dspang
Town Hall Surcharge for Using Credit Card When paying bills to the Billerica Town Hall, they add a surcharge when paying by credit card. Is this legal? If it is, what is the document statin...	1	11 weeks 3 days ago by tp299	11 weeks 3 days ago by dspang
Consumer Auto Repossession Rights What are the rights of a consumer whose vehicle is repossessed Illegally? Breach of Peace repossession. I understand that there are two types of leg...	1	15 weeks 6 days ago by Jonathan Vizard	15 weeks 6 days ago by admin
Credit Scores and Renter's Insurance Greetings! Can credit scores be used to determine renters' insurance rates? As far as I can tell, legislation was enacted last year to prohibit in...	1	30 weeks 4 days ago by Oulanem	28 weeks 2 hours ago by BostonLawMan
Repossesing car from apt complex parking lot I know the repossession law states they have to ask permissiong to come onto your property before taking the vehicle, does this also apply to an apart...	1	31 weeks 4 days ago by ak1979	31 weeks 3 days ago by BostonLawMan
Repossed car My car was repossed. It was taken at 4am on the weekend without my consent which if i read the MA law correctly, they do need my consent, right? Do i...	1	31 weeks 6 days ago by ak1979	31 weeks 3 days ago by BostonLawMan
Debt collector license exception My understanding is that a out of state Debt collector does not need to be licensed with the division of banks if the debt collector hires a local a...	1	33 weeks 6 days ago by ndhelp	31 weeks 1 day ago by BostonLawMan
Debt collection agencies outside Massachusetts I know the amount they're trying to collect is right but aren't there rules about who can collect debts in Massachusetts? I've been contacted by a co...	1	39 weeks 1 day ago by JimBon	39 weeks 23 hours ago by The Editor
Tire slashed by Repo man Two Saturdays ago a repo man came into my locked driveway in an attempt to repo the car. I refused to let him have the keys and told him I'm gonna cal...	1	41 weeks 6 days ago by taimyshu	41 weeks 6 days ago by The Editor
Credit reports and potential employers in MA? Hi. I'm not sure if this question should go in the employment law or consumer law forum. I just started looking for jobs after graduating from colle...	1	43 weeks 3 days ago by JohnJJ	43 weeks 3 days ago by The Editor
Bogus diet supplements illegal in MA like HCG? I saw an ad in a free newspaper I got in Boston talking about the HCG diet supplement and offering people money to try the product. I find it hard to...	1	45 weeks 1 day ago by Trin	45 weeks 1 day ago by The Editor
Transmission Replacement? A quick-stop style car shop replaced my transmission fluid with the wrong fluid, which has wrecked the transmission. They've been very nice about doin...	1	47 weeks 13 hours ago by liantics	47 weeks 2 hours ago by The Editor
Canceled purchase agreement before delivery of car, deposit lost? I need to know if this is legal. I went into buy a new car on Saturday 05/19/2012. They did not have the car I wanted and said that they would have on...	1	50 weeks 5 days ago by stlmunns	50 weeks 5 days ago by The Editor
Car Dealership fraud re automobile in accident in Massachusetts? I have a Ford Focus 2000, I purchased it from a dealership in 2011, one in which I thought was reputable, but seems to now go against that though proc...	1	52 weeks 19 hours ago by MattRidge	52 weeks 4 hours ago by The Editor
Agreement for Judgement Hi, I went to court and had an agreement for judgment to pay a creditor, which I did. The agreement stated PID (Payed in full) but the law firm for...	1	1 year 1 week ago by maface	28 weeks 24 min ago by BostonLawMan
MA Dispute with Home Improvement Contractor - No written contract We have a dispute with an electrician we hired on a T+M basis. All agreements were verbal. As the project progressed, I discussed the hours spent an...	1	1 year 1 week ago by johnden223	1 year 1 week ago by The Editor
Landlord being unfair and deceptive under Massachusetts 93A? Before I moved into my apartment in a six unit building with a one year lease I showed the landlord that the toilet was not flushing properly. He sai...	1	1 year 3 weeks ago by WCone	1 year 3 weeks ago by The Editor
Massachusetts Do not call registry Hello. I live in Massachusetts with my husband and we're wondering about the do not call registry. We both have cellphones and one telephone at home...	1	1 year 4 weeks ago by GlennY	1 year 4 weeks ago by The Editor
Gas Station discounts for cash in Massachusetts I have a question regarding gas stations and pricing. I recently got gas at a gas station I don't normally visit, but I assumed they're all the same. ...	1	1 year 6 weeks ago by Whiskers	1 year 6 weeks ago by The Editor
Debt collection exemptions in Massachusetts Hi. Being sued for a prior debt for a loan that I do owe but I have not money or assets right now other than a few personal things and a car. I told ...	1	1 year 6 weeks ago by LLN	1 year 6 weeks ago by The Editor
Massachusetts Used Car Lemon Aid Law After my father passed away my mother sold his car. She was notified that the buyer had the car inspected 3 weeks after the sale date and the car did ...	1	1 year 10 weeks ago by dlits16	1 year 10 weeks ago by The Editor
How to sell a car in private party car sales in Massachusetts I sold a car over a year ago. I recently received a certified letter from a tow company demanding a tow fee and storage charges. Apparently the indivi...	1	1 year 10 weeks ago by kevinjamescerce...	1 year 10 weeks ago by The Editor
At what age can teenager be bound by contract in Massachusetts? My friend is only 17 years old but she looks like she's in her twenties. She lives with her aunt who's her guardian and doesn't have a lot of contact...	1	1 year 11 weeks ago by Hiccup	1 year 11 weeks ago by The Editor
Debt collector with debt I don't owe Hello. I got a validation notice in the mail two weeks ago for a debt I don't know nothing about. Then a debt collector called me and asked how I wa...	1	1 year 12 weeks ago by JamesC	1 year 12 weeks ago by The Editor
Mechanic storage fee in Massachusetts with no oral notice I dropped my car off for repairs at a MA mechanic in my town. He had to keep the car for a couple of days to get the parts and make the repair. Then...	1	1 year 14 weeks ago by WinnD	1 year 14 weeks ago by The Editor
Disputing collection by a contractor Made a bad choice on contractor, and now I have a problem. In short, the work done on my roof is substantively different (in my opinion) than what was...	1	1 year 15 weeks ago by houston47d	1 year 15 weeks ago by The Editor
Gift Certificate Unused - Claim Money I have a gift certificate that is 10 years old and I was told the business needs to hand the money over to the state if the gift certificate was never...	1	1 year 17 weeks ago by Anonymous	1 year 17 weeks ago by The Editor
purchase agreement cancellation i purchased a hot tub back in sept. and was giving a 5-8 week delivery window, with the promise that i would most likely see it by the end of oct. oct...	1	1 year 18 weeks ago by Anonymous	1 year 18 weeks ago by The Editor
Sue mortgage servicer for unfair and decpetive acts in Massachusetts? My husband and I just got a notice that our home is being foreclosed. We're looking for a bankruptcy attorney but I'm also wondering if I can sue the...	1	1 year 18 weeks ago by Shirl78	1 year 18 weeks ago by The Editor
Are payment plans legal in Massachusetts? For the past year I had a payment agreement with a bill collection agency, they were deducting $50 per month out of my checking account per the agreem...	1	1 year 19 weeks ago by Anonymous	1 year 19 weeks ago by The Editor
Guidance on recovering a motorcycle delivered to MC restoration business in Jan 2010 I dropped off a motorcycle to be repaired/restored at a Plymouth business specializing in this work in mid January 2010. I am from Delaware and review...	1	1 year 19 weeks ago by arkitek	1 year 19 weeks ago by The Editor
Consumer complaint against landscape company I hired a national lawn care company to put a new lawn in this past Sept/October. They told me they would cut all the weeds low and then use a piece o...	1	1 year 19 weeks ago by Anonymous	1 year 19 weeks ago by The Editor
I want to sue a small business in another state I sent my computer to a company in Ohio to be repaired. We had a misunderstanding on the cost of the repair. I called to complain to the owner. He was...	1	1 year 21 weeks ago by vwaltdog	1 year 21 weeks ago by The Editor
Can I sue doctor or dentist under 93A consumer protection act? months ago i went to a dentist appt and they told me i needed some serious work done, and after insurance payments my portion would be $1500 so i paid...	1	1 year 22 weeks ago by tylermcm	1 year 22 weeks ago by The Editor
How to locate defendant for Small Claims Court suit I want to file a small claims case against someone for a loan. Unfortunately they have moved a couple times since the original loan. I have checked an...	1	1 year 23 weeks ago by Anonymous	1 year 23 weeks ago by admin
Filling Small Claims after Harrasment Order I am helping out my sister in-law. She had loaned $650 to a friend, she had a agreement written out that they had both signed. Since then there has be...	1	1 year 23 weeks ago by Anonymous	1 year 23 weeks ago by The Editor
Negligent misrepresentation and Chapter 93A My business, located in Massachusetts, entered a contract with another business to develop and install a specific software program on our system. T...	1	1 year 24 weeks ago by Richard65	1 year 24 weeks ago by The Editor
Home iImprovement Contractor registration Helping an elderly family member out while they're getting some repairs done. One contractor has been reluctant to share material information, such...	1	1 year 26 weeks ago by c3p0188	1 year 26 weeks ago by The Editor
Unjust enrichment in MA consumer law? Hello, last month I was in my house painting when I heard some kind of motorized equipment from out by the street. I thought it was just my neighbor d...	1	1 year 27 weeks ago by cornfuzzled	1 year 27 weeks ago by The Editor
Can I sue Massachusetts contractor under 93A? I hired a roofing contractor to make some repairs to my roof and paid him $2,000 to do the work. He was registered with the state as a roofing contra...	1	1 year 28 weeks ago by Trainer	1 year 28 weeks ago by The Editor
Response to demand letter, very low number I sent a demand letter to the Salon that trashed my hair and scalp last week. I received a certified letter today from the salon Inside was a check fo...	1	1 year 30 weeks ago by c3p0188	1 year 30 weeks ago by The Editor
Bait and switch advertising under MA consumer law I'm wondering about one of your other posts where you defended the habit car dealers have of advertising a great price on a car and then, mysteriously...	1	1 year 31 weeks ago by NoMan	1 year 31 weeks ago by The Editor
Landlord's unfair and deceptive for triple damages? When I moved into my apartment five months ago the carpet in one bedroom was stained in several places. I told the landlord I'd take the apartment if...	1	1 year 34 weeks ago by aaronb	1 year 34 weeks ago by The Editor
Purchase of defective auto parts on Craigslist I recently purchase a used rear axle from a private party on craigslist. Visual inspection and conversation with the seller indicated it was a good us...	1	1 year 35 weeks ago by pdcullen	1 year 35 weeks ago by The Editor
Return car under lemon aid law in MA because of smell? Hi. I purchased a car last week from a private party. When I went to look at the car he had the windows down. The car does not have air conditionin...	1	1 year 37 weeks ago by Samah	1 year 37 weeks ago by The Editor
When can stores be open in Massachusetts on holidays? I know Massachusetts doesn't have such strict laws anymore about being open on Sundays and holidays, but are there ANY days where a retail store is le...	1	1 year 40 weeks ago by NND	1 year 40 weeks ago by The Editor
Refund for medical cancellation from Personal Training About 1.5 months ago I signed up for Personal Training sessions and about 3 weeks ago my doctor said she no longer wanted me participating in Personal...	1	1 year 41 weeks ago by MMonteiro24	1 year 41 weeks ago by The Editor
Can I sue a person using Massachusetts 93A Last year I was hired an instructor to help a woman learn spanish after she waw my ad on a bulleting board on campus. She was a graduate student at t...	1	1 year 41 weeks ago by Nan	1 year 41 weeks ago by The Editor
Nstar damaged my house-now wont pay Last winter and an NSTAR contractor damaged my house to the sum of $2,100. Now they have denied the claim stating" NSTAR is indemnified from any damag...	1	1 year 42 weeks ago by SEALAWS	1 year 38 weeks ago by dma2010
Statute of limitations for Chapter 93A About two years ago I had a run in with a Massachusetts Bike shop that I think definitely would qualify as unfair and deceptive practices. Long story...	1	1 year 42 weeks ago by HGreen	1 year 42 weeks ago by The Editor
New/Rebuilt construction warranty and repair I need to know what the law says about consumer protection for my home. The home burned down last year (2010) and has been rebuilt from the foundatio...	1	1 year 43 weeks ago by thedude	1 year 43 weeks ago by The Editor
Suing Massachusetts college for deception A few years ago I attended a college who advertised that, upon completion of their 1-year program, I would be eligible to sit for national specialist ...	1	1 year 45 weeks ago by angry student	1 year 45 weeks ago by The Editor
Illegal lottery in furniture promotion under MA law? I won't mention names, but we've all seen the furniture company that runs the promotions saying if you buy furniture you can get if for free if a spor...	1	1 year 46 weeks ago by Nanto	1 year 46 weeks ago by The Editor
Misrepresentation by car dealer about trade in I had recently purchased a new vehicle. Prior to going into the dealership, I did my home work. I was able to utilize the dealerships link in order to...	1	1 year 47 weeks ago by Anonymous	1 year 47 weeks ago by The Editor
Elderly person signing a three year automobile lease My father, who is about to turn 90 years old, went out last year and signed a three year lease on a car he can't really afford. The payments are eati...	1	1 year 49 weeks ago by Anonymous	1 year 49 weeks ago by The Editor
NSTAR didn't close my account after I moved, landlord ran the heat, now I owe $1300. In late November of 2006 I moved from Cape Cod to Boca Raton FL. Before doing so I cancelled my cable and attempted to cancel the electricity. I cal...	1	1 year 50 weeks ago by dancetillulaugh	1 year 50 weeks ago by The Editor
Massachusetts law against junk mail? I live in the Boston area and I'm proud to say I have an excellent credit history. So good, in fact, that everyday I get at least two credit card off...	1	1 year 51 weeks ago by Underdog	1 year 51 weeks ago by The Editor
Automatic Contract Renewal I have a contract with a Home Security system service provider based in CT. The company does not have offices in MA. The contract does not spe...	1	2 years 4 days ago by Anonymous	2 years 4 days ago by The Editor
Written estimate for car repairs in MA? I left my car with a mechanic in Massachusetts that I've never gone to before, but he was recommended by a friend. When I dropped the car off he ha...	1	2 years 5 days ago by JohnDouglas	2 years 5 days ago by The Editor
Gift cards and federal law I understand there's Massachusetts law about gift cards and gift certificates dealing with expiration dates, but I'm wondering if there is also some f...	1	2 years 2 weeks ago by SKurt75	2 years 2 weeks ago by The Editor
Triple damages for Misrepresentations by Landlord in 93A response letter In response to my demand letter my landlord, through his atty, made over a dozen misrepresentations as to the facts as his defense/denial of liability...	1	2 years 4 weeks ago by Anonymous	2 years 4 weeks ago by The Editor
Purchase and Sale agreement on a used car? When do I sign? I am in the process of buying a used car. I know the vehicle I want and am in talks with the salesman. He is insisting that I sign a Purchase and Sale...	1	2 years 5 weeks ago by Anonymous	2 years 5 weeks ago by The Editor
Illegal shipping costs or charges? after seeing an ad on TV I tried to order three pair of sunglasses for $9.95 each "plus shipping and handling." I asked the lady on the phone what th...	1	2 years 6 weeks ago by Turnkey	2 years 6 weeks ago by The Editor
Return used car to seller for defects and failed inspection under MA lemon law I bought a car last week from a guy in Revere for $6,900 and I paid cash. The car seemed to be in good shape and only had around 80,000 miles on it. ...	1	2 years 7 weeks ago by Carbuyer	2 years 7 weeks ago by The Editor
Restaurant gift certificates or cards in MA Hello. I purchased a gift certificate for a friend to celebrate her anniversary. The local restaurant where I purchased the card placed an expiratio...	1	2 years 9 weeks ago by Anonymous	2 years 9 weeks ago by The Editor
Used Vehicle Warranty Law Private Party Car Sales When you purchase a used vehicle from a private party and the bill of sale indicates “as is”, does that exclude the buyer from being protected und...	1	2 years 10 weeks ago by Rac44	2 years 10 weeks ago by The Editor