We have warned you over and over and over — if free government cell phone recipients don’t help expose fraud and abuse in the program, it may be killed or cut back so significantly that your cell phone may be the next one to be eliminated.
An undercover investigation by CBS4-TV in Denver reports that the program designed for “the poor and needy in Denver appears to be riddled with waste, fraud and abuse…” This is the kind of report that angers politicians and regulators and should anger even those who support the program and those who benefit from the program. We know it angers us.
Lifeline Assistance, the official name of the program more commonly known as the free government cell phone program or more colloquially as Obamaphones, now costs $2 billion per year and has distributed more than 13 million phones across the country. CBS4 said, “In Colorado, the program handed out more than 117,000 free cellphone plans in the first half of this year, or about 20,000 cellphones every month.”
To qualify, you must have a household income of no more than 150% of federal poverty guidelines or receive assistance from another government program such as food stamps, Medicaid, or Section 8 housing aid. But those guidelines are often ignored by corrupt cell phone vendors and unethical recipients.
Here’s how CBS4 in Denver reported its uncover investigation:
But on multiple trips to Colfax Avenue and Broadway in Denver, where multiple distributors set up their tents to hand out free cellphones, a CBS4 producer and reporter found the phone agents willing to circumvent strict government rules designed to ensure that only the truly needy get the free phones. The vendors receive massive government subsidies to hand out the phones and the accompanying monthly plans.
“Want to sign up for a free phone?” an agent representing Total Call mobile asked a CBS4 producer. The representative then asked if the undercover producer had a food stamp card, a Medicaid card or any other evidence that he qualified for a phone.
“No,” replied the CBS4 employee. But one of the cellphone agents then ordered his colleague to “push it through,” by using someone else’s food stamp card to provide eligibility for the CBS4 employee.
“Did you just use that guy’s food stamp card for me?” questioned the CBS4 employee.
“Yeah,” responded the Total Call representative. “It’s verification that you are on some kind of assistance program. It’s to get you through.”
He promptly gave the CBS4 worker a free phone. The Total Call agent said he received $3 for every phone he is able to give away.
Obviously, using someone else’s food stamp card to get a free government cell phone is illegal, unethical and immoral. But some customers and vendors are willing to overlook almost anything — fines, embarrassment, and job loss — in order to get something for nothing. Nevertheless, Lifeline Assistance providers appear quite willing to not only sign up those who are clearly ineligible, but also help them get around the rules.
One man told CBS4 he wanted a free cellphone but did not have a food stamp card and did not qualify. He showed CBS4 his current smartphone that he said he was paying $57 a month for. But he explained that he went across town, got a food stamp card anyway, then returned to Civic Center with a food stamp card that has no money on it, but was still able to use it to qualify for an “Obamaphone.”
“Completely free. I didn’t pay a dollar, not a dime, not a nickel,” said the man. “That’s what everybody calls them in the ‘hood, Obamaphone,” laughed the man.
Of course, the Federal Communications Commission has moved to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse in the program. Since 2012 it has fined free government cell phone companies more than $95 million. The FCC claims its stricter regulations have slashed fraud, waste and abuse by more than $2 billion. But it seems clear that plenty of problems still remain and need to be addressed immediately if this program is to survive.
So once again we urge our readers to report any abuse of which you become aware. If you know someone who has an Obamaphone when they really don’t qualify, report them to the FCC. If you know someone who has more than one free government cell phone, report them to the FCC. If you see a street vendor who’s willing to break the rules, report them to the FCC.
If you don’t, the politicians in Washington, DC will come down on Lifeline Assistance like the proverbial ton of bricks. If you don’t, budgets will be slashed, regulations will be tightened, and in the end those who really need the program will be the ones who are hurt the most. If you don’t, your free government cell phone may be the next one that’s taken away.
So do your part. Do whatever you can to protect this valuable program from fraud, waste and abuse. To quote the Department of Homeland Security, “If you see something, say something.” To report fraud or abuse, please go to our page, “How to Report Lifeline Fraud, Abuse and Waste.”
Source: CBSLocal
Jim says
Who do I make a complaint with ?
Yesterday I received a text message from my brothers free phone.
My brother passed away 2 years ago, I have reason to believe it was my other brother who is very shady.
I am very upset I miss my brother very much I didn’t need this.
If I can get some direction as to report this issue I would be very grateful.
Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t imagine the pain you must be feeling, Jim. It certainly sounds like someone else is using your brother’s former phone, which is fraud. Here’s an article that tells you how to report it:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/report-lifeline-assistance-fraud-abuse-waste
Amy C Holman says
My name is Amy Holman. I have a free government phone through Assurance wireless I just got a week ago. I believe my X Boyfriend Mikey ***** gave Regina ******* my Social Security number an I have heard that she got a free government phone in my name. I don’t know through witch free Government phone company they might have used (There’s Several it could b) When I activated my assurance wireless phone it should of turned hers off in my name but She’s still telling people she has the free phone in my name an it’s still activated. Is there a way I could run my Social Security number DOB a tell me if this is true.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s where we think you stand, Amy. First, did you discuss the problem with your service provider’s customer service team when you enrolled? If you did not report the fraud, it will appear that you have fraudulently enrolled for two accounts. Merely enrolling in one plan will not automatically cause the cancellation of the other plan in her name.
You need to file an official complaint with the USAC, the organization that governs the Lifeline program. Here’s a link to the USAC website that will allow you to do that.
Do it ASAP, Amy. Bust that damn Mikey and that ho bitch Regina.
Henry says
I am surprised that Assurance was able to get approval for your service with them. If your name is already connected to an existing Lifeline service account, the attempt to apply for another service account should have been denied. Assurance should have then alerted you that an existing Lifeline service was already active and that you needed to cancel the other service before replacing it with their company. Then you would have to file a fraud report about the existing service account with USAC.ORG. You should log into the USAC.ORG website to see what service is attached to your name. Something does not sound right about your account on Lifeline website.
“upon notification by the Administrator to any eligible telecommunications carrier that a subscriber is receiving Lifeline service from another eligible telecommunications carrier or that more than one member of a subscriber’s household is receiving Lifeline service and therefore that the subscriber should be de-enrolled from participation in that carrier’s Lifeline program, the eligible telecommunications carrier must de-enroll the subscriber from participation in that carrier’s Lifeline program within five business days. An eligible telecommunications carrier shall not be eligible for Lifeline reimbursement for any de-enrolled subscriber following the date of that subscriber’s de-enrollment.”
From the above, the Lifeline administrator will notify one (or maybe both?) of the companies to cancel your service.
Kenneth Q says
More American corporations feeding at the congressional trough pretending to help low-income,disabled consumers.
Carrie Ballinger says
I went to the tent for my free phone , the lady took my info had a line told me and another women back before pm , I did and she said she ran out and would call and meet and later said mailed … someone was using my onfo my phone and I was refused a new free phone the worker stole my info activated it and I still without after hours on line with safe link fraud I have her phone number her text to me and lies and without a phone still and worker not punished
Free Government Cell Phones says
To repeat for about the 1000th time, this is why we urge our readers NOT to enroll at street events. It’s much safe to enroll online or by phone.
Danielle Trujillo says
I have called Safelink wireless three times to disconnect my phone #505-218-****, in the last two years.. the Obama program is paying safelink for this free service, which I have not used in the last two years. I can still call the 505218**** number and my voicemail is still coming up. I don’t think it’s right that they’re taking payment for this phone for 2 years of service that I have not even used.why won’t they diisonnect the phone service? I feel like they are taking advantage. PLEASE HELP!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check out this article and follow the tips:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/report-lifeline-assistance-fraud-abuse-waste
Eric Schrader says
I know of a person in Belfast, Maine who is a retired PH.D in environmental epidemiology, an MD and a retired child psychiatrist who somehow got a “free” phone and has been using it for years. He just got a new smartphone as an upgrade. He has rental apts. at his home that he brags about not renting them because “I don’t need the money”. His name is Robert. His cell number is 207-323-****
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you step-by-step how to file a formal complaint:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/report-lifeline-assistance-fraud-abuse-waste
Chris Hamzaeff says
Steven F****** using a government issued cell phone: # 209-284-****. He is definitely not in the financial category that he needs to have this phone. He has another mobile phone which he purchased, & uses both phones for his convenience.
Free Government Cell Phones says
This link will take you to an article that tells you exactly how to report fraud:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/report-lifeline-assistance-fraud-abuse-waste
Chantal says
I HAVE REPORTED JOHN FRANK RODRIGUES TO INVESTIGATIONS FOR WELFARE FRAUD. HE IS ALSO USING TWO GOWERNMENT PHONES FOR SELLING DRUGS AND PORNOHRAPHY.
HIS PHONE NUMBER IS
(669)300-****. HIS DOB IS 05/31/19**. HE WAS RELEASED FROM JAIL IN JANUARY AFTER 8 MONTHS ON CHARGES OF VEHICLE THEFT, DRUG POSESSION, AND UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS. PLEASE DELETE HIS ACCESS TO THIS GOVERNMENT PHONE AS HIS APPLYING WAS FALSIFIED AND UNTRUE.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You go, girl.
S says
I know someone who just fired my husband before cmas, who I found out has an obamaohone, as well as hundreds of dollars/month in SNAP benefits. I am reporting them ASAP
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good for you, S.
Morgan R Thrasher says
Someone got a safe link phone in my name fraud! Now I can’t get one and it isn’t fair that my identity has been stolen
Sue says
I’m reporting phone number 682/262-**** for prank calling and also ther are 2 lifeline phones in one household. the number is s lifeline phone. please stop this prank calls
Sue says
Sherry ******* and Pamela ******** are abusing the lifeline phones by prank calling and harassing people and Sherry’s number is 682/262/****. it was issued in weatherford Texas but she is living in New Braunfels Texas. please help me with this problem. they have 2 lifeline phones in one household. they are really bad on prank calling on them putting spoon phone and putting in any number yo shooed up on my phone. please help me stop all these prank calls. thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that will tell you exactly what to do to report fraud and abuse:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/report-lifeline-assistance-fraud-abuse-waste
Tamicia Richardson says
I applied to get a phone through y’all and they told me I already got one and I never had a govt phone somebody must of used my name to get it
Richard sanchez says
I being charge for a safelink phone i applied for
Free Government Cell Phones says
Why are you being charged? How much? Unless you’re purchasing additional minutes, texts, or data, there should be absolutely no charge for a Safelink phone.
Lynn says
DEBORAHA **** WAS GIVEN OBAMAHA GOVERMENT PHONE SHE GAVE TO SOME ONE ELSE WHO SOLD IT TO SOME ONE ELSE. HIS NAME IS ERIC ****** AND VIRGINIA ******.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Fraud and abuse is a horrible problem in the free government cell phone program, Lynn. If you are aware of people who are committing fraud and ripping off the system, we urge you to read this article and do as it says to report that fraud. Reporting the fraudsters is the only way we’ll ever solve the problem. Here’s that article:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/report-lifeline-assistance-fraud-abuse-waste
Juan A Molina says
I applyed for a free government phone, I never received my phone, so I called safe link, and I was told by safe link that a person in new York was using my account, can you check in to this
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Juan, but that’s not something we can check into. We do not have access to private phone company records.
Robert C Manthey says
I would like to report abuse and lies I’ve been reading a lot here and other free cell service sites. Two come to mined clearly. The POTUS will be the first to tell you that he had little to nothing to add to this fine idea. These were planned before, I’ll bet, most of you even heard the name Barack Obama. So,okay, I’m from the city of Chicago. Just like Obamacare. It’s the Affordable Care Act.
Regardless: Hail To The Chief! The best president that has been in my lifetime. I remember going to the voting booth with mom and watch her vote for JFK. I remember voting for the first time for Jimmy Carter.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Sorry Robert, we have only reported that the Lifeline phones was NOT started by President Obama:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/obama-phone
Mark says
Yeah & when someone like me invests a FULL year of research, complaints to Assurance & the FCC and countless agencies and get a run around and as of this writing I know for a fact that the fraud is still on going with the people/persons I reported then what? Even this site links to a # that doesn’t work. I know of people committing this fraud, I reported it a year ago, they still are getting away with it while working two jobs!
Mark says
Okay once again I called the FCC and was given a number 855-455-8477 and guess what? After going through a bunch of hoops, the finial step to report was void as I got a message that the mailbox was full. There is something more going on here, think about it. An entire year of reporting certain people and they still have service and the FCC & Assurance is well aware of it. My reports are on record! I suggest people write a form letter and send it to the media.
Robert C Manthey says
I was never under the impression that this site was meant for all the fixes people seem to expect. Honestly and respectfully, I thought of it more as a place to share experiences, good and bad, interchange ideas that could help some problems.
When I started out with this program, you couldn’t even have a sim card slot. Now you can use smartphones. No, not for free.
I’m not saying I haven’t read any positive comments, but they are vastly overwhelmed by the negativity being expressed for something free.
People, embrace it, it doesn’t hurt. Gratitude, geez!
John says
I GO OVER SOME WORD COUNT AND YOU THROW AWAY AN HOUR OF MY CAREFUL WRITING? TO HELL WITH YOU