Massachusetts § 42A - Telecommunication service; fraud; penalty
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 42A — Telecommunication service; fraud; penalty, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42A. Telecommunication service; fraud; penalty
Section 42A. Whoever, with intent to defraud, obtains, or attempts to obtain, or aids or abets another in obtaining, any telecommunications services valued less than five thousand dollars by any false representation, false statement, or stratagem, by unauthorized charging to the account of another, by installing or tampering with any facilities or equipment or by any other means, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two and one-half years in a house of correction, or both.
Whoever, with intent to defraud, obtains, or attempts to obtain, or aids or abets another in obtaining, any telecommunications services of a value equal to or greater than five thousand dollars by any false representation, false statement, or stratagem, by unauthorized charging to the account of another, by installing or tampering with any facilities or equipment or by any other means, shall be punished by a fine of not more than ten thousand dollars or by imprisonment for not more than ten years in a state prison, or both.
As used in this section, the words ''telecommunication service'' shall include the transmission of intelligence by a community antenna television system licensed pursuant to the provisions of chapter one hundred and sixty-six A.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 42A
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 42A cover?
Section 42A ("Telecommunication service; fraud; penalty") 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 § 42A?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 42A" (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 § 42A 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.