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State Ethics Commission
The Details of File a complaint with the State Ethics Commission
What you need for File a complaint with the State Ethics Commission
A complaint may be filed online, by phone, by fax, by mail, or in person. All complaint materials are required by law to be kept confidential, including the name of the complainant.
The Commission will notify you when it has completed its review of your complaint. If the Commission publicly resolves any of the allegations in your complaint, you will receive a copy of the public finding or decision.
Using the online form
You may file a complaint by using an online form. The form is a fillable PDF so you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader available on your computer or mobile device. The completed form will attach to an email to be sent to the Commission so you will need to have your email account open.
Please note that you may need to enable a browser extension to open Acrobat Acrobat Reader. Please refer to these instructions if you need assistance.
Please note the following:
- Do not file the same complaint more than once or use more than one of these methods to file the same complaint.
- If you file a complaint anonymously, we will not be able to contact you to follow up on your complaint or notify you when we have completed our review.
- The Commission will not return any materials submitted in support of complaints. If you are sending documents or records with your complaint, please be sure to maintain your original copies.
How to file File a complaint with the State Ethics Commission
Please note:
- You must provide your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address or your complaint will not be accepted. All written communication from the Commission will be sent to either your home address or to the e-mail address you provided. Please notify the Commission of any change of address while your complaint is being reviewed.
- Anonymous complaints will not be accepted electronically. If you wish to remain anonymous, please call, write, fax, or visit the Commission.
Disclaimer notice about sending or receiving information via e-mail
The Commission is required to maintain confidentiality with respect to its receipt and regarding its review of complaints, and is specifically required to keep confidential the identities of complainants. We urge anyone who wishes to file a complaint electronically to do so using their home computer. The use of a computer provided by an employer or others may not protect your, or the subject's, privacy.
Your employer, for example, may have a right to access the e-mails and other electronic information sent on the employer's computers or network. The Commission will not be responsible for any breaches of confidentiality that occur in connection with information transmitted electronically or via e-mail.
File a complaint by calling the Intake Investigator at (617) 371-9500 or (888) 485-4766.
Intake Investigators are generally available to take calls between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
If an investigator is not available to speak with you immediately, they will return your call within one business day.
File a complaint via fax at (617) 723-4086.
File a complaint by mail:
State Ethics Commission
Enforcement Division
One Ashburton Place, Room 619
Boston, MA 02108
Please include all relevant facts and a specific concern, including the name of the public employee or official about whom you are complaining, his or her position, and the specifics of your concern.
If you are sending attachments with your complaint, please be sure to send us only copies and maintain your originals. Any materials submitted to the Commission cannot be returned.
File a complaint by meeting with an Intake Investigator at the Commission's office located at:
State Ethics Commission
One Ashburton Place, Room 619
Boston, MA 02108
To file a complaint in person, please call (617) 371-9500 to schedule an appointment with an Intake Investigator.
Intake Investigators are generally available between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday to take complaints.