| Date: | 10/03/1997 |
|---|---|
| Organization: | Division of Banks |
| Docket Number: | 97-212 |
This opinion was issued in the fourth quarter of 1997.
- This page, Summary of Selected Opinion 97-212, is offered by
- Division of Banks
Opinion
Opinion Summary of Selected Opinion 97-212
Table of Contents
Directing payments from Massachusetts debtors to an out-of-state address and the use of an "800" number in collection letters
A collection agency that is an out-of-state corporation with out-of-state headquarters but has an office in Massachusetts may direct payments submitted from Massachusetts debtors to an out-of-state address, where the agency will continue to have an office in Massachusetts.
A collection agency must disclose its telephone number and office hours on all communication to the consumer debtor under 209 CMR 18.13. A collection agency may provide an "800" number on its collection letters to the extent that the "800" number provided will be responsive to a debtor's inquiries regarding debt and provide toll-free access to the information during all of the disclosed office hours.