Unwanted calls and texts in Massachusetts: what the rules say

Massachusetts maintains a state Do Not Call list and restricts covered unsolicited sales calls to listed numbers, overnight hours from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. local time, fax, and recorded-message devices. The statute’s definitions refer to a telephone call or message, but this summary does not assume that every SMS is covered.

Where the rules draw a line

Exceptions include prior permission, tax-exempt nonprofits, certain noncommercial communications, and responses to a consumer visit. The private claim requires more than one qualifying call within 12 months by or for the same entity.

What this can mean for a consumer

A consumer meeting that repeat-contact condition may seek an injunction and actual monetary loss or up to $5,000 for a knowing violation, whichever is greater. The Attorney General’s separate penalties are public enforcement, not an automatic consumer payment.

Keep the details

Save the full text thread, call log, voicemails, dates and times, the company or product named, and any reply asking the sender to stop. Those details can help show what happened; they do not establish by themselves that a law was violated.

Official Massachusetts sources

This page is general information, not legal advice. State and federal rules have different definitions, exceptions, and deadlines. Whether a rule applies depends on the facts and current law.