Coronavirus (COVID-19) Relief Center
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Massachusetts
These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 14, 2020.
For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in Massachusetts, we recommend that you visit the state's COVID-19 Updates and Information website, COVID-19 State of Emergency resources or MassTrac's list of bills related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Description of Program and Relief
Unfair and Deceptive Debt Collection Practices During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Attorney General’s Office issued a regulation protecting consumers from unfair and deceptive debt collection practices during COVID-19 pandemic. The regulation provides that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it shall be an unfair and deceptive act or practice under the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act, M.G.L. c. 93A, for:
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Any creditor or debt collector, to (i) initiate, file, or threaten to file any new collection lawsuit; (ii) initiate, threaten to initiate, or act upon any legal or equitable remedy for the garnishment, seizure, attachment, or withholding of wages, earnings, property, or funds; (iii) initiate, threaten to initiate, or act upon any legal or equitable remedy for the repossession of any vehicle; (iv) apply for, cause to be served, enforce, or threaten to apply for, cause to be served, or enforce any capias warrant; (v) visit or threaten to visit a debtor’s home; (vi) visit or threaten to visit a debtor’s place of employment; and (g) confront or communicate in person with a debtor regarding the collection of a debt in any public place.
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Any debt collector to initiate a communication with any debtor via telephone, either in person or by recorded audio message to the debtor's residence, cellular telephone, or other telephone number provided by the debtor as his or her personal telephone number.
Government or Lead Agency
Office of the Attorney General
Dates Available
This regulation is effective until June 25, 2020 or until the Governor’s declared State of Emergency Period expires, whichever occurs first.
Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions
Not applicable
Application Deadlines (If Applicable)
Not applicable
Contact for More Information
Not applicable
List of Additional Information
© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.