Section 12: Misrepresentations or concealment; fines and damages
466 words·~2 min read·
/ma/part-iii/title-iv/chapter-258c/12A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
[ First paragraph effective until July 1, 2025. For text effective July 1, 2025, see below.]
Section 12. Any person who:
(a)submits a false or fraudulent application or claim for an award;
(b)intentionally makes or causes to be made any false statement or representation of a material fact in relation to any claim pending before the division; or
(c)intentionally conceals or fails to disclose information affecting the amount of or the initial or continued right to any such award shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than six months, or both.
[ First paragraph as amended by 2025, 9, Sec. 87 effective July 1, 2025. See 2025, 9, Sec. 138. For text effective until July 1, 2025, see above.]
Any person who:
(a)submits a false or fraudulent application or claim for an award;
(b)intentionally makes or causes to be made any false statement or representation of a material fact in relation to any claim pending before the agency; or
(c)intentionally conceals or fails to disclose information affecting the amount of or the initial or continued right to any such award shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than six months, or both.
[ Second paragraph effective until July 1, 2025. For text effective July 1, 2025, see below.]
The commonwealth shall, in addition, have a civil cause of action for relief against any person who violates the provisions of this chapter for the amount of damages which the commonwealth sustains by reason of such violation which shall include costs of the action and attorneys fees and, in addition, for punitive damages of not more than triple the amount of damages which the commonwealth sustains, and interest. The attorney general may bring any such action necessary to enforce this section.
[ Second paragraph as amended by 2025, 9, Sec. 88 effective July 1, 2025. See 2025, 9, Sec. 138. For text effective until July 1, 2025, see above.]
The commonwealth shall, in addition, have a civil cause of action for relief against any person who violates the provisions of this chapter for the amount of damages which the commonwealth sustains by reason of such violation which shall include costs of the action and attorneys fees and, in addition, for punitive damages of not more than triple the amount of damages which the commonwealth sustains, and interest. The agency, through the attorney general, may bring any such action necessary to enforce this section.
Any amount reimbursed or any fine or damages paid pursuant to this section shall be paid to the victim compensation fund maintained by the treasurer.