c. 266, § 71A

Individuals and corporations; false use of names of benevolent organizations

Up to 1 year Fraud & Money Ch. 266 · Crimes Against Property

Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term

No person, society, association or corporation shall knowingly assume, adopt or use the name of a benevolent, humane, fraternal, charitable or labor organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, or a name so nearly resembling the name of such incorporated or unincorporated organization as to be a colorable imitation thereof or calculated to deceive persons not members with respect to such organizations. Whoever violates this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than one year or by both such fine and imprisonment. The superior court shall have jurisdiction in equity to enjoin any violation of this section.

Simplified explanation

Knowingly using the name of a benevolent, humane, fraternal, charitable or labor organization, or a deceptive imitation of it, is punishable by up to 1 year of imprisonment, a $200 fine, or both.