Massachusetts Consumer Resources
If you are a resident of Massachusetts and looking for resources in your state, this page can offer you some help. We have compiled a list of state information to aide in your search. Whether you are looking for legal resources, financial, educational, health, or employment assistance, the below tools can help point you in the right direction.
Below is a summary of each link, as well as any necessary contact information.
LEGAL RESOURCES
Small Claims Court – This tool can give you information on Massachusetts’ small claims court system. You can find court cost limits, attorney requirements, and appeal processes. You can also read up on special provisions in Massachusetts’ laws. This article will give you necessary pointers to get you off to the right start in pursuing your claim.
Lemon Law – If you’ve recently purchased a lemon, this article will give you extensive information from the state laws and Attorney General’s office on what you can do. Find out the characteristics that qualify a car as a lemon. Learn more about where you can go, and how to pursue your claim.
EDUCATION
Office of Education – Learn more about everything going on in your child’s school. You can view profiles of different schools and districts, and special programs set in place for Massachusetts children. Get more information on high school requirements and higher education options, as well as different educational boards and what they do. You can also reach the Executive Office at (617) 979-8340.
FINANCIAL
Financial Assistance – This page highlights Chapter 115 benefits and other funds in place to offer financial assistance to qualifying Massachusetts residents. You can read more about the programs offered to Massachusetts veterans and their families, as well as current military family assistance programs. You can reach the Department of Veterans’ Services at (617) 210-5480.
HEALTH
Health Insurance – This website provides an overview of MassHealth. You can learn more about coverage types and member information. You can even follow the links to apply for MassHealth. You can also view additional insurance assistance programs. For questions on a current application or status, you can contact the MassHealth Enrollment Center at 1-888-665-9993.
Health Care Quality & Cost Council – This organization is responsible for setting quality and cost targets for the Commonwealth. This website outlines programs the organization has implemented and enforced. You can also view costs and quality data through the links on the homepage. Through the consumer links, you can get more information on health resources, physicians, and hospitals
SAFETY
Scams & Identity Theft – This website gives information on how to protect your identity from scams and theft. You can read about popular phone and work-at-home scams. You can also get tips on how protecting your identity from online predators. Read about vacation and travel scams, fake check scams, and Medicare prescription drug plan scams.
EMPLOYMENT
Labor & Workforce Development – Get information on worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance and employment services through this department. You can visit the One-Stop Career Center through the employment links to view job opportunities in Massachusetts. You can also get information on how to file a claim, and other assistance programs offered.
Contact Massachusetts State & Local Consumer Agencies
State and local consumer protection offices mediate issues, conduct investigations, prosecute offenders of consumer laws, license and regulate a variety of professionals, promote strong consumer protection legislation, provide educational materials and advocate in the consumer interest. To save time, call the office before sending in a written report. Ask if the office handles the type of issue you have and if forms are provided.
State Offices
George Weber, Chief
Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division
Department of the Attorney General
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108-1698
617-727-8400 (information and referral to local consumer offices that work in conjunction
with the Department of the Attorney General)
Fax: 617-727-5765
Thomas McCormick
Assistant Attorney General
Western Massachusetts Consumer Protection Division
Office of the Attorney General
436 Dwight Street
Springfield, MA 01103
413-784-1240
Fax: 413-784-1244
John C. Chapman, Undersecretary
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
501 Boylston Street, Suite 5100
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 973-8787
Fax: (617) 973-8799
E-mail: https://www.mass.gov/forms/contact-ocabr-by-e-mail
Web site: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-consumer-affairs-and-business-regulation
County Offices
Paul A. Finnegan, Director
Consumer Protection Division
Northwestern District Attorney's Office
238 Main Street, 4th Floor
Greenfield, MA 01301
413-774-5102
Fax: 413-773-3278
Maggie Bergin, Case Coordinator
Consumer Protection Division
NorthWestern District Attorney's Office
1 Court Square
Northampton, MA 01060
413-586-9225
Fax: 413-584-3635
D'Shone Swiney, Director
Consumer Council of Worcester County
484 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Worcester, MA 01608-1690
508-754-1176
Fax: 508-754-0203
City Offices
Nancy Lo, Director
Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing
Boston City Hall, Room 817
Boston, MA 02201
617-635-4165
Fax: 617-635-4174
Jean Courtney, Director
Consumer Information Center
Springfield Action Commission
P.O. Box 1449, Main Office
Springfield, MA 01101
413-263-6513 (Hamden and Hampshire Counties)
Fax: 413-263-6514
State Banking Regulators
The officials listed below regulate and supervise state-chartered banks. Many of them handle or refer problems and complaints about other types of financial institutions as well. Some also answer general questions about banking and consumer credit. If you are dealing with a federally chartered bank, check the listing of Selected Federal Agencies.
Terence McGinnis, Commissioner
Commissioner of Banks
1000 Washington Street, 10th Floor
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 956-1500
Toll free nationwide: (888) 283-3757
Fax: (617) 973-8799
State Insurance Regulators
Each state has its own laws and regulations for all types of insurance, including car, homeowner and health insurance. The officials listed below enforce these laws. Many of these offices can provide you with information to help you make informed insurance buying decisions.
Gary Anderson, Commissioner
Commissioner, Division of Insurance
1000 Washington Street , Suite 810
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 521-7794
Toll Free: (877) 563-4467