Deceptive Business Practices
G.L. c. 93A, § 9 — a written demand thirty days before suit, and multiple damages for a willful violation
In Massachusetts, unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce are unlawful. Courts are guided by how the Federal Trade Commission and the federal courts read the Federal Trade Commission Act.
A written demand first. At least thirty days before suing, a consumer mails or delivers a written demand for relief identifying themselves and describing the practice and the injury. A business that makes a reasonable written settlement offer within thirty days, which is rejected, can limit its liability to what it offered.
Otherwise a consumer who wins recovers actual damages or twenty-five dollars, whichever is greater, or up to three but not less than two times that amount if the violation was willful or knowing.
Sources for this section (2)
- G.L. c. 93A, § 2 — Unfair and deceptive practices unlawful
- G.L. c. 93A, § 9 — Civil actions by consumers
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.