Massachusetts Law About Debt Collection
Massachusetts Laws
- MGL c. 93, s. 24. Licensing of collection agencies.
- MGL c. 93, s. 49: Debt collection in an unfair, deceptive or unreasonable manner. Outlines prohibited activities in debt collection.
Massachusetts Regulations
- 209 CMR 18: Conduct of the Business of Debt Collectors and Loan Services
- 940 CMR 7: Debt Collection Regulations
Federal Law
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Federal Trade Commission. The primary federal law governing consumers' rights in debt collection.
Other Web Sources
The Attorney General's Guide to Fair Debt Collection, Mass. Attorney General. A brief guide outlining your rights under fair debt collection laws.
Debtors' Hell, Boston Globe. "This Boston Globe Spotlight Team investigation into the world of consumer debt in the United States found a system where debt collectors have a lopsided advantage, debtors are often treated shabbily by collectors and the courts, and consumers can quickly find themselves in a life-upending financial crisis."
Who Is Responsible for a Deceased Relative's Debts?, "After a relative dies, the last thing grieving family members may expect are calls from debt collectors asking them to pay their loved one’s outstanding debts. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, a surviving relative usually has no legal obligation to pay the debts of a family member who has died. In fact, the rights of surviving relatives are covered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), which prohibits debt collectors from using abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to collect from you."
Getting Paid, Nolo, 2003. Information on collecting your debt once the debtor has declared bankruptcy. Includes information on secured claims, claims that cannot be wiped out by bankruptcy, creditors rights and more. Requires Library Card for access.
Is There a Statute of Limitations on Billing for Bad Debts?, Mass. Attorney General. This archived page from the former Attorney General says, "There is no statute of limitations on billing for bad debts, but there are statutes of limitations for filing lawsuits and for reporting the debts to the credit reporting agencies. Although these do vary depending upon the type of debt, in general there is a six year statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit to collect upon a debt, and a seven year statute for reporting bad credit. It is rarely a good idea to decide not to pay a good debt if you are relying wholly on the statute of limitations, because there are more complicated issues involved, including when these may be tolled, or extended, or even when the statutory period has begun to run. But for your question, even if the statute of limitations has run, as long as a collector follows the debt collection rules and is not harassing you, they may continue to make reasonable collection efforts, short of going to court."
SJC Toughens Rules for Debt Collectors, Boston Globe, Aug. 7, 2009. "The Supreme Judicial Court has approved a series of sweeping changes designed to protect consumers from aggressive debt collectors known for bullying tactics, seizing cars in the middle of the night and, in extreme cases, threatening debtors with jail time." 
Solve Your Money Troubles: Get Debt Collectors Off Your Back, Nolo, 2007. Includes information on secured debt, negotiating with your creditors, student loans, credit cards, bankruptcy and more. Requires Library Card for access.