Massachusetts § 42B - Fraudulently avoiding charges for telecommunication service; use of equipment, etc.; penalties

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 42B — Fraudulently avoiding charges for telecommunication service; use of equipment, etc.; penalties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 42B. Fraudulently avoiding charges for telecommunication service; use of equipment, etc.; penalties

Section 42B. Whoever makes any instrument, apparatus, equipment or device which is designed, adapted or which is used to fraudulently obtain telecommunication service in the manner prohibited by section forty-two A or which is used to conceal, or to assist another to conceal, or from any lawful authority, the existence or place of origin or of destination of any telecommunication; or whoever possesses any such instrument, apparatus, equipment or device with the intent to use or employ the same in violation of this section or section forty-two A, or whoever sells, gives transport, or otherwise transfers to another, or offers to advertisers for sale, any such instrument apparatus, equipment, or device, or any plans or instructions for making or assembling the same, with the intent to use or employ such apparatus, equipment, or device, or to allow the same to be used or employed, for a purpose described in this section or whoever, knowing or having reason to believe that the same is intended to be used, or that said plans or instructions are intended to be used for making or assembling such apparatus, equipment or device, or whoever publishes plans or instructions for making or assembling or using any such apparatus, equipment or device, intending that such be used or employed in violation of this section or section forty-two A, shall be punished by a fine of not more than thirty thousand dollars or by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than fifteen years, or by both.

Any instrument, apparatus, device, plans or instructions or publications described in this section may be seized under warrant or incident to a lawful arrest, and, upon the conviction of a person for a violation of this section, such instrument, apparatus, device, plans, instructions or publication may be destroyed as a contraband by the sheriff of the county in which such person was convicted. As used in this section, the words ''telecommunication service'' shall also 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 § 42B

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 42B cover?

Section 42B ("Fraudulently avoiding charges for telecommunication service; use of equipment, etc.; penalties") 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 § 42B?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 42B" (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 § 42B 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.