Massachusetts § 51B - Consumer report; consent of consumer required for user to obtain, use or seek report; disclosure of reason for accessing report
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 51B — Consumer report; consent of consumer required for user to obtain, use or seek report; disclosure of reason for accessing report, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 51B. Consumer report; consent of consumer required for user to obtain, use or seek report; disclosure of reason for accessing report
Section 51B. This section shall not apply to users who acquire from consumer reporting agencies a consumer report pursuant to section 51 and 15 U.S.C. section 1681b.
A user shall not obtain, use or seek the consumer report of a consumer unless the user: (i) obtains the prior written, verbal or electronic consent of the consumer, as is appropriate for the manner in which the transaction or extension of credit was negotiated or entered into; and (ii) discloses, prior to obtaining the consumer's consent, the user's reason for accessing the consumer report to the consumer.
Nothing shall prohibit a user who has already secured the consent of the consumer, or an investor or potential investor of an existing credit obligation, from obtaining a consumer report in connection with: (i) the same transaction; (ii) reviewing an existing account; (iii) increasing the credit line on an existing account; (iv) taking collection action on an existing account; (v) providing products and services or offering of products and services to an existing consumer's account.
A user shall not require or request that a consumer waive this section and any such waiver shall be void. Failure to comply with this section shall constitute an unfair practice under clause (a) of section 2 of chapter 93A.
Notwithstanding the restrictions of this section, the department of children and families shall be permitted to obtain a consumer report for any child in the department's custody who is 14 years of age or older without obtaining the consent of the child or disclosing to the child the department's reason for accessing the consumer report in order to fulfill the department's obligations pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 675(5)(I), Public Law 113–183 and section 52A, or any other similar requirement of federal or state law.
The department of consumer affairs and business regulation may promulgate regulations interpreting and applying this section.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 51B
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 51B cover?
Section 51B ("Consumer report; consent of consumer required for user to obtain, use or seek report; disclosure of reason for accessing report") 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 § 51B?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 51B" (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 § 51B 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.