Consumer Protection Offices
City, county, regional, and state consumer offices offer a variety of important services. They might mediate complaints, conduct investigations, prosecute offenders of consumer laws, license and regulate professional service providers, provide educational materials and advocate for consumer rights. To save time, call before sending a written complaint. Ask if the office handles the type of complaint you have and if complaint forms are provided.
State Consumer Protection Offices
Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation, Boston, MA
Website:
Phone Number:
617-973-8787
Toll Free:
1-888-283-3757 (Consumer Hotline)
TTY:
1-800-720-3480
Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General
Website:
Email:
Phone Number:
617-727-8400 (Consumer Hotline)
TTY:
617-727-4765
Regional Consumer Protection Offices
Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General- New Bedford
Website:
Email:
Phone Number:
508-990-9700
617-727-8400 (Consumer Hotline)
TTY:
617-727-4765
City Consumer Protection Offices
Boston Consumer Affairs
Website:
Email:
Phone Number:
617-635-3834
Banking Authorities
The officials listed in this section 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 Federal Agencies.
Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Website:
Phone Number:
617-956-1500
Toll Free:
1-800-495-2265
TTY:
617-956-1577
Insurance Regulators
Each state has its own laws and regulations for each type of insurance. The officials listed in this section enforce these laws. Many of these offices can also provide you with information to help you make informed insurance buying decisions.
Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation
Website:
Email:
Phone Number:
617-521-7794
Toll Free:
1-877-563-4467
TTY:
1-800-720-3480
Utility Commissions
State Utility Commissions regulate services and rates for gas, electricity and telephones within your state. In some states, the utility commissions regulate other services such as water, transportation, and the moving of household goods. Many utility commissions handle consumer complaints. Sometimes, if a number of complaints are received about the same utility matter, they will conduct investigations.
Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
Website:
Email:
Phone Number:
617-737-2836
Toll Free:
1-877-886-5066