Massachusetts § 53 - Investigative consumer report; disclosures to consumer

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 53 — Investigative consumer report; disclosures to consumer, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 53. Investigative consumer report; disclosures to consumer

Section 53. (a) A person may not procure or cause to be prepared an investigative consumer report on any consumer unless:

(1) it is clearly and accurately disclosed in writing to the consumer, prior to requesting the consumer reporting agency to prepare the report, that an investigative consumer report commonly includes information as to the consumer's character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living, and the disclosure includes the precise nature and scope of the investigation requested and the right to have a copy of the report upon request; and

(2) the consumer provides the person requesting the report written permission to obtain the investigative consumer report prior to the person making such request to the consumer reporting agency.

(b) The consumer reporting agency shall upon the request of the consumer provide to the consumer a copy of such report upon its completion.

(c) No person may be held liable for any violation of paragraph (a) if he proves by a preponderance of the evidence that at the time of the violation he maintained reasonable procedures to assure compliance with said paragraph (a).

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 53

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 53 cover?

Section 53 ("Investigative consumer report; disclosures to consumer") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 53?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 53" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 53 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.