Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation - Boston, MA

Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR)

Protecting Massachusetts Consumers

The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR), located at 1 Federal Street in Boston's Financial District, is a vital state agency dedicated to protecting consumers and ensuring a fair marketplace. Operating under the Executive Office of Economic Development, OCABR oversees five major regulatory agencies: the Division of Banks, Division of Insurance, Division of Occupational Licensure, Division of Standards, and the Department of Telecommunications and Cable. By regulating these industries, the office works to prevent deceptive business practices and ensure compliance with state laws.

Advocacy and Arbitration

OCABR provides direct assistance to the public through various programs. It administers the state's Lemon Laws, offering arbitration for consumers who have purchased defective vehicles. The office also manages the Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) programs, which include registering contractors and overseeing an arbitration program and Guaranty Fund to help homeowners resolve disputes with registered contractors. Furthermore, the agency is the central point for Data Breach reporting, requiring businesses to notify the state and affected residents when personal information is compromised.

Education and Outreach

A key part of the OCABR mission is consumer education. The office publishes comprehensive guides on topics ranging from identity theft prevention to shopping rights and credit reporting. They empower citizens with the knowledge needed to make informed financial and purchasing decisions. While the office regulates businesses, it also serves as a resource for licensees, providing clarity on regulatory requirements to help businesses thrive responsibly.

• Lemon Law: Arbitration for defective vehicle purchases.
• Contractors: Registration and dispute resolution for home improvements.
• Data Security: Oversight of data breach notifications.

Visitors to the Federal Street office can access services related to these programs, although many resources, including license checks and complaint filing, are available through their online portals.