Massachusetts Debt Collection Law at a Glance
Federal Protection
15 USC §1692g — Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. 30-day validation window from first written contact. Collector must cease collection upon written dispute.
State Supplement
Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 93A; 940 CMR 7.00 — Consumer Protection Act / Debt Collection Regulations
Covers original creditors — not just third-party collectors.
Damages available: Up to treble damages, plus attorney fees and costs (ch. 93A §9)
Collector Licensing
Debt collectors in Massachusetts must be licensed under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 93, §24A. Unlicensed collection activity may constitute an additional violation.
Statute of Limitations
- Credit card / revolving: 6 years
- Written contracts: 6 years
- Oral contracts: 6 years
- Promissory notes: 6 years
- (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, §2)
Where to File Complaints
- Massachusetts Attorney General Consumer Protection Division
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Small claims limit: $7,000
Additional Protections
- 940 CMR 7.00 provides detailed debt collection regulations — among the strongest in the nation
- Covers original creditors AND third-party collectors
- Treble damages available under ch. 93A for willful or knowing violations
- Debt collectors must be licensed and bonded
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Massachusetts Debt Validation FAQ
What is the FDCPA 30-day validation period for debt collectors contacting me in Massachusetts?
Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 USC §1692g), you have 30 calendar days from the date a debt collector first contacts you in writing to request validation of the debt. During this time, the collector must cease collection activity if you dispute the debt in writing. This federal right applies in all 50 states including Massachusetts.
Does Massachusetts have its own debt collection protection law beyond the FDCPA?
Yes. Massachusetts provides additional consumer protections under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 93A; 940 CMR 7.00 (Consumer Protection Act / Debt Collection Regulations). Notably, Massachusetts law extends protections to cover original creditors, not just third-party debt collectors. Violations may result in: Up to treble damages, plus attorney fees and costs (ch. 93A §9).
Are debt collectors required to be licensed in Massachusetts?
Yes. Under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 93, §24A, debt collectors operating in Massachusetts must be licensed. If a collector contacting you is not properly licensed, this may constitute an additional violation that strengthens your dispute.
What is the statute of limitations on debt in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations varies by debt type: credit card/revolving debt is 6 years, written contracts are 6 years, and oral contracts are 6 years (Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 260, §2). If your debt is past the statute of limitations, a collector cannot legally sue you to collect it, and threatening legal action on time-barred debt may violate the FDCPA.
What should I include in a debt validation letter sent from Massachusetts?
Your debt validation letter should: (1) reference the FDCPA (15 USC §1692g), (2) demand verification of the debt amount, (3) request proof of the collector's authority to collect, (4) ask for the original creditor's name and address, (5) request a copy of the original agreement, and (6) cite any applicable Massachusetts state protections. Send via certified mail, return receipt requested.
Can I sue a debt collector who violates my rights in Massachusetts?
Yes. Under the FDCPA (15 USC §1692k), you can sue for up to $1,000 in statutory damages plus actual damages and attorney fees. Under Massachusetts law, you may also seek: Up to treble damages, plus attorney fees and costs (ch. 93A §9). You can file in Massachusetts small claims court for claims up to $7,000.
Debt Validation Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific protections.