who to report power of attorney fraud in massachusetts

To report fraud or a scam in the state of Massachusetts from Boston to Worcester, contact the Attorney General, the Better Business Bureau or one of the Federal, state or local agencies listed. Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General Attorney General: Martha Coakley

Full Answer

How do I report fraud or scam in Massachusetts?

To report fraud or a scam in the state of Massachusetts from Boston to Worcester, contact the Attorney General, the Better Business Bureau or one of the Federal, state or local agencies listed. the rapidly expanding arena of cyber crime.

What can I do with a Massachusetts financial power of attorney?

Through a Massachusetts Financial Power of Attorney, you can name an Attorney-In-Fact to assume control of your financial affairs when and if it becomes necessary. You can also make your wishes known for the conduct of our health care through two documents: the Health care Proxy and the Document Directing Health Care.

How do I revoke a power of attorney in Massachusetts?

If you would like to revoke a POA in its entirety without executing a new one, submit a signed statement of intention to revoke to the specific person you are working with at DOR, through MassTaxConnect or by fax to 617-660-3995.

How do I contact the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs?

The AGO’s Elder Hotline ( 1-888-243-5337) can assist citizens over the age of 60. To file a complaint or ask questions, call the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation Consumer Hotline at 1-888-283-3757

How do I report PCA fraud in Massachusetts?

However, you can also report suspected fraud by calling (617) 727-6771 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How do I file a complaint in Massachusetts?

Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation 501 Boylston Street, Suite 5100 Boston, MA 02116 Consumer Hotline: (617) 973-8787 or (888) 283-3757 toll free (MA only) Use our Question / Complaint Form to submit inquiries online.

How do I contact the Massachusetts attorney general?

PhoneSpeak with a Consumer Specialist (617) 727-8400.Call us in Boston (617) 727-2200.Call us in New Bedford (508) 990-9700.Call us in Springfield (413) 784-1240.Call us in Worcester (508) 792-7600.

What does Maura Healey do?

Maura Tracy Healey (born February 8, 1971) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the Massachusetts Attorney General. She is a member of the Democratic Party.

How do I file a complaint against an attorney in Massachusetts?

To file a complaint, please call 617-728-8750. Inquiries concerning the professional conduct of an attorney admitted to practice in Massachusetts are initially handled by the Attorney and Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP) of the Office of the Bar Counsel.

What is Massachusetts Chapter 93A?

The Consumer Protection Act (M.G.L. Chapter 93A ) protects people from unfair and misleading business actions. It gives buyers the right to sue in court and get back money they lost. The law also allows businesses to sue other businesses.

What does the Attorney General do?

The Attorney General is the representative of the public in all legal proceedings for the enforcement of law and the assertion or protection of public rights. The Attorney General defends the constitutionality of Bills referred to the Supreme Court under Article 26 of the Constitution.

How long is the Attorney General term in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts Attorney GeneralAttorney General of the Commonwealth of MassachusettsSeatOne Ashburton Place, Boston, MassachusettsNominatorPolitical partiesAppointerPopular voteTerm length4 years, no limit10 more rows

Who is Attorney General of Massachusetts?

Maura Healey (Democratic Party)Massachusetts / Attorney general

Where is Martha Coakley?

Personal life. Coakley resides in Medford, Massachusetts.

Who is Maura Healy?

As a civil rights attorney, Healey is committed to ensuring that all residents are treated fairly. As former head of the office's Civil Rights Division, Healey was the architect of the state's successful challenge to the federal Defense of Marriage Act and argued the case in federal court.

Who is the assistant attorney general of Massachusetts?

Eric Haskell - Assistant Attorney General - Massachusetts Attorney General's Office | LinkedIn.

What is whistleblower law in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts whistleblower laws are designed to protect people who report information about suspected illegal, wasteful or unethical activity. When you report suspicions regarding illegal activity by an individual or organization to our p ublic fraud, waste and abuse hotline or public transportation f raud, waste and abuse hotline, you and your identity may be protected under state law ( M.G.L. c. 12A, § 14 (b) ). State law also specifically protects you from retaliation by your employer for submitting a complaint or disclosing information to the OIG (M.G.L. c. 12A, § 14 (c)).

What is the purpose of the Office of Inspector General?

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is an independent agency whose mission is to promote openness and integrity in government. The public’s involvement in our work is vital to protecting public funds. The tips our hotlines receive are the most common way we learn about the misuse of public funds.

What does it mean when a complaint is reviewed?

We review each complaint we receive to determine whether it falls within our jurisdiction. If we determine that a crime or other misuse of public funds or property may have taken place, we may conduct an investigation. Some complaints lead to broad reviews or investigations. We refer some complaints to other agencies if we determine that they are outside of our jurisdiction. Other complaints are closed if we cannot confirm the claims in them.

What is whistleblower?

What is a whistleblower? A whistleblower is a person who exposes suspected fraud, waste, abuse or other misconduct by an individual or organization. Often, a whistleblower is employed by, works with or has some other formal relationship with the alleged wrongdoer. However, that is not always the case.

What is waste and fraud?

What is fraud, waste and abuse? Fraud is a knowing misrepresentation of the truth or a deliberate concealment of important information that causes another to act and that results in harm, such as a monetary loss. Fraud can take many forms (for example, time fraud, billing fraud and procurement fraud). Visit our What is Fraud?

What is an improper relationship between a public employee and a vendor?

Improper relationships between a public employee and a vendor, including the exchange of favors, gifts or non-public information. A board or commission member is not acting in the public’s best interest. Abuse of overtime or pension benefits. Misuse of government-issued credit card or property.

What is misuse of public funds?

Abuse of public funds occurs when a person uses his or her public position or public resources for private benefit or in a manner that is illegal or inappropriate. Illegal activity includes theft, embezzlement, bribery and bid-rigging. Other examples of waste would be using one’s public position to steer a government contract to a friend or family member, improperly sharing confidential information from a government database, or using public resources (such as office space or office supplies) to run a private business.

How does an attorney in fact affect your future?

The decisions your attorney-in-fact make on your behalf can affect your financial future, including your eligibility for employment, housing, and credit. It can also affect your military career, including your eligibility for security clearance.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney document allows someone that you select (your “attorney-in-fact” or “agent”) to act on your behalf in financial matters.

What does it mean when someone is your attorney in fact?

When a person acts as your attorney-in-fact, that person can do financial business as though he or she is you. For example, your attorney-in-fact might buy a car or house in your name or might withdraw money from your bank accounts.

Can you revoke a power of attorney?

Revoking the power of attorney. When you no longer need an attorney-in-fact, for example, after returning from deployment, you can revoke the power of attorney.

What to do after a disaster?

After a disaster strikes, be alert for related scams and fraud. Scam artists may pose as FEMA or other government officials, aid workers, or employees from charitable organizations or insurance companies in order to get your personal information or take your money.

How to file a complaint in Massachusetts?

To file a complaint or ask questions, call the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation Consumer Hotline at 1-888-283-3757

What is the Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards?

The Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards encourages contractors to apply for permits on behalf of building owners. Schedule any necessary inspections. As part of the permitting process, local building inspectors must inspect the work being done to ensure it meets all relevant codes and standards.

How to get a permit for a building?

Obtain Proper Building Permits when Rebuilding 1 Contact your local building inspector’s office about permit requirements before starting repairs. Sometimes permit fees are waived after a disaster as part of the rebuilding process. The Massachusetts Board of Building Regulations and Standards encourages contractors to apply for permits on behalf of building owners. 2 Schedule any necessary inspections. As part of the permitting process, local building inspectors must inspect the work being done to ensure it meets all relevant codes and standards. 3 Document all work. Keep records of building permits, inspections, etc. for insurance and other record-keeping.

How to check a scam in Massachusetts?

To check the history of a business or to file a complaint about a scam, contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO) Consumer Hotline, 1-617-727-8400. You may also file consumer complaints through their Consumer Complaint form. The AGO’s Elder Hotline ( 1-888-243-5337) can assist citizens over the age of 60.

Does FEMA have approved contractors?

Check registered home improvement contractors on the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation’s (OCABR) Home Improvement Contractor Registration Lookup. FEMA does not have approved contractors. Be wary of contractors who say they are affiliated with the agency.

Does FEMA offer vouchers?

Some scammers may attempt to purchase goods with fake FEMA vouchers. FEMA does not offer vouchers.

How to submit M 2848 to DOR?

Allow 2 business days for the POA to be attached to the taxpayer’s account. Note that a Form M-2848 submitted through MassTaxConnect or by fax can be attached to an account only if the taxpayer has previously registered with DOR through MassTaxConnect or has filed a tax return in Massachusetts.

How to revoke a POA?

If you would like to revoke a POA in its entirety without executing a new one, submit a signed statement of intention to revoke to the specific person you are working with at DOR, through MassTaxConnect or by fax to 617-660-3995.

What does it mean when a taxpayer calls in?

The taxpayer calls in, Verifies that he or she is, in fact, the taxpayer and. Requests that DOR speak with someone who is either in the same room as the taxpayer or. Is on the same phone line as the taxpayer. This situation may occur when the taxpayer has difficulty speaking or understanding English.

How long can you be imprisoned in Massachusetts?

Imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both, and. Disqualification from holding office in Massachusetts for a period not to exceed 3 years. A taxpayer can authorize a third party to have access to their tax return and tax account information in several ways. This page explains the different types of third party authorization.

What happens when a third party impersonates a taxpayer?

If Third party access is set up correctly, the Third party will have access to all authorized taxpayer accounts through their own account with a single password .

Does Massachusetts allow DOR to disclose tax returns?

To protect the confidentiality of tax records, Massachusetts law generally allows DOR to disclose tax return information only to taxpayers or their authorized representatives.

Who is limited to signing a tax return?

It is limited to the individual paid preparer who signed the return, and does not allow authorization for other preparers from the same company or firm;

What Types of Power of Attorneys Are Available in Massachusetts?

You can make several different types of POAs in Massachusetts. In particular, many estate plans include two POAs:

What Are the Legal Requirements of a Financial POA in Massachusetts?

For your POA to be valid in Massachusetts, it must meet certain requirements.

When Does My Durable Financial POA Take Effect?

Your POA is effective immediately unless it explicitly states that it takes effect at a future date.

When Does My Financial Power of Attorney End?

Any power of attorney automatically ends at your death. A durable POA also ends if:

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a written document that gives an agent the legal authority to act for the principal who establishes the power of attorney. This designation is for financial purposes, such as opening a bank account, writing checks, implementing new investments and conducting financial transactions. A power of attorney can give someone the ...

Why do people need a power of attorney in hospitals?

In some situations, a person may suffer some type of health crisis and may choose to appoint a power of attorney while in a hospital because of the logistical difficulties of handling financial transactions in this situation . However, this is a prime time for predators who may take advantage of the opportunity and withdraw funds and close accounts.

What is legal authority?

This legal authority can be an important planning mechanism that allows someone to make financial decisions and conduct financial transactions in the event that the principal cannot do so for himself or herself whether temporarily or permanently.

What is a legal claim in a divorce case?

Another possible legal claim is conversion. This claim basically asserts that the agent has stolen from the principal. Successfully litigating this type of case typically requires showing that the agent used the principal’s property in a manner inconsistent with his or her rights of ownership. Additionally, the principal may have the duty to demand the return of his or her property and that the agent refused to return it.

What is a legal claim for a fraud?

In some cases, the legal claim may be that the agent lied about circumstances which caused him or her to take action or have the agent take action on his or her behalf that was adverse to his or her interests.

Why is it important to act quickly?

It is often important for the individual to act quickly in order to preserve his or her rights and mitigate the potential financial consequences.

Can a power of attorney abuser transfer real estate?

A power of attorney abuser may transfer real estate to his or her own name, remove the principal’s belongings, use the power of attorney’s money for his or her own gain or take advantage of the position in other ways.

Durable Power of Attorney Massachusetts Form – Fillable PDF

The Massachusetts durable power of attorney form is used to appoint an attorney-in-fact to have the full power and rights to handle any type of monetary-related action or decision on the principal’s behalf. This arrangement is not affected by any subsequent disability or incapacity of the principal.

General Power of Attorney Massachusetts Form – Adobe PDF

The Massachusetts general power of attorney form is a contract that is used to appoint an attorney-in-fact to make financial decisions on behalf of the principal.

Limited Power of Attorney Massachusetts Form – Adobe PDF

The Massachusetts limited power of attorney form is mainly used when hiring a real estate attorney for property transactions, but can be used for any desired purpose. The document allows individuals to authorize an agent to handle a specific task or financial decision on their behalf.

Medical Power of Attorney Massachusetts Form – Adobe PDF

The Massachusetts medical power of attorney form (“Health Care Proxy”) is used to designate an agent to make medical decisions for the principal when they cannot do so themselves due to mental incapacity. The most common choices for the agent are close friends, relatives, or the principal’s spouse.

Minor (Child) Power of Attorney Massachusetts Form – PDF

The Massachusetts minor power of attorney form is a legal document that permits the transfer of certain parental powers from a child’s parents to a designated guardian. This form can be a useful tool for parents who will be away from their children for a significant period of time and need someone to care for their kids.

Real Estate Power of Attorney Massachusetts Form – PDF – Word

The Massachusetts real estate power of attorney enables an individual to appoint a representative to act on their behalf and handle decisions relating to real estate transactions.

Tax Power of Attorney Massachusetts Form – Adobe PDF

The Massachusetts tax power of attorney form (Form M-2848), allows a resident to have representation through an accountant or tax attorney for filing with the Department of Revenue.