We often say that the free government cell phone business is shooting upward. But in this story from El Cajon, California there was an actual shooting.
San Diego’s News10 reports:
According to police, a group of people were in a booth outside of a resource center handing out free cell phones as part of a government program when two men approached and an argument ensued.
A fight broke out and spilled into the street, then one of the men that had approached the booth went to a nearby vehicle, grabbed a gun and began shooting into the crowd, police said.
One person was shot, but when police arrived the fight was over and the victim was long gone. Officers later discovered the victim had turned up at a local hospital. Another person was treated at the scene for a minor injury.
The two suspects remain on the loose. Police are looking for a black sedan in connection with the crime.
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times: Enrolling for a free government cell phone at a street tent or booth is a bad idea. Of course, we were referring to the fact that so many cases of fraud and abuse originate at these venues.
But this story offers a completely new reason you should take our advice and enroll online or by phone.
We make that as simple as possible by providing customer service phone numbers and web addresses for every free government cell phone service provider. You can find all those companies and all their plans offered in your state on our convenient “States” page. Just click here.
Linda says
I’m I. Bad health and I’m 61 and don’t have a way to call for help if I fall or get hurt so my kids come and help me or have a way to. All an ambulance if needed I’m o. Food stamps and o. Disability .can you help me please
Free Government Cell Phones says
All the info you need is right here on this website, Linda. We are NOT a free government cell phone company, so you’ll need to contact one of the companies in your state in order to enroll. Here’s where you can find them:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Clifford woods says
I lost my phone and I want to stop service.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team, Clifford.
Kristi B says
I happen to work for the government phone program and have done so for approximately 6 years. I am disabled and this is something I can do to help others as well as keep my time occupied with great company also. Although there are people everywhere who will defraud you, it is not a scam to apply and receive a FREE PHONE! I love my job and wouldn’t trade It for anything. WE ARE HERE TO HELP EVERY DESERVING AND ELIGIBLE PERSON GET WHAT THEY QUALIFY FOR. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE ON WELFARE TO GET THEM. People use their tax returns and W2 forms every day and get a phone based on their income and household even though they made $40,000 last year. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you can go get your FREE PHONE today!!!! Well we are closed to observe the 4th today but try tomorrow. LOL
Miranda owens says
I desperately need a government cell phone! Me n my husband r both disabled n my husband is terminally I’ll n I’m completely disabled mentally n physically with several health problems myself with a learning disability! Could some1 please help me with assistance with a prefilled application out from a good company from lifeline from Tn call me its really an emergency cuz we have no phone to use if a. Emergency comes about! N we r constantly back n forth to hospitals n doctors offices? Please call n help its a must have a phone! Please allow us a. Smartphone! Thanks for our help God Bless! 615 581 **** miranda owens
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll need to ask a friend or neighbor to help you enroll, Miranda. You can also try calling (if you can borrow a phone) customer service to enroll by phone.
ward hendricks says
My son and I each applied for and received Ca.Lifeline service through your, company and each of us bought a ZTE phone from a street vendor. The vendor is now not to be found and neither of the phones work.We wer informed that the phones are refurbished or counterfit and we can,t use the service Please advise.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Jesus Freakin’ Christ, Ward. How many times do we have to say that we are NOT a Lifeline free government cell phone company? This is an independent informational website. And how many times do we have to say NOT to enroll at a street event because of fraud and abuse? Sorry for getting pissed, but we have responded to this same question from about 10,000 readers.
WaelABDERRAHIM says
i want a smartphone
Free Government Cell Phones says
All new customers receive smartphones.
Patricia Stephens says
I would like to have a iPhone five
Free Government Cell Phones says
We would like to have our own personal valet. Luckily, you can enroll with the free government cell phone provider of your choice. Unluckily, there is no website called FreeGovernmentValet.net to grand our wish.
Donald Albert says
What was the total cost paid out by the Universal Service Fund for the year 2017, covering free cell phones for low income Americans ?Don
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have not done that calculation, Donald, but a little Googling will probably lead you to the answer.
Melinda hoppin says
How much to replace screen on zte
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not a clue, Melinda. This website specializes in the Lifeline free government cell phone program, not in cell phone repair.
Alex says
Where do I go to get a free phone in Santa Maria California 93458?
I qualify but can’t find out where to go to get one
Free Government Cell Phones says
Ahhhh, lovely Santa Maria. San Luis Obispo used to be our stomping grounds. But back to your question.
We strongly urge our readers NOT to enroll at street events because they have been the scene of so much fraud and abuse. You’re much better off enrolling online or by phone, Alex.
Angela D says
The Gov. Phone n I had (vortex 8) was stolen. My emails were going off as if something bad happened.
I have all the info to that phone. N it’s also linked to my personal info
Angela D says
The free Gov Vortex 8 been stolen . The only reason I knew cuz my friends we asking me who’s the guy answering my phone. N then my email stated syncing my own info n was replaced by whoever stold it
I don’t need a replacement. I want the phone deactivated. Forever
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can only get that done by contacting your service provider’s customer service team.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to speak to your service provider’s customer service team ASAP, Angela.
Angie Cradeur says
Why I can’t get a free phone when my old one was cancelled
Free Government Cell Phones says
Why was your previous phone cancelled?
Brian says
Does anyone know what’s going on with the Free Phone Issue in San Antonio Texas. Please respond to my email – ********@yahoo.com…
If anybody knows what’s going on with the Texas Lifeline handing out Free Phones…
Brian says
It’s not right that San Antonio Texas has taking away the Free Phones away, when people really need a phone…We all need to Complaint!!! It’s not fair to the Elderly…
Free Government Cell Phones says
What’s the specific issue you’re upset about, Brian?
Rick says
My question is: What must I do to remove my vital information from one of the “Gov’t” cell phone providers? I need to have my information removed/deleted from QLink Wireless. I DO NOT have nor want phone/service from QLink Wireless. I wish to find phone/service with another, more reputable company.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Are you saying you want to switch service providers?
Mary Parks says
Did i qualafied for a goverment phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
How would we possibly know if you qualify for a phone, Mary? We don’t know who you are. We don’t know what your financial situation is. We don’t know where you live.
Angie says
How do you know if your in my area. I live in Butler county Kansas
Free Government Cell Phones says
“We” are not in any area, Angie, because this is an independent informational website, NOT a free government cell phone company. Here’s where you can find a complete list of Lifeline companies and plans in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Anita says
I need a free government phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s a page to get you started on the process, Anita:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Dawn Carter says
I need a replacement Coolpad free cell phonr
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team, Dawn.
Sam says
Yes to get free phone
Virginia Castro says
I need other smartphone with a private number and if u could send it to me I get food stamps and I’m on ahcccs please help out thank u.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s not quite that simple, Virginia. You need to fill out an application, prove that you qualify, and wait to be approved. You can find all the Lifeline free government cell phone companies in your state and the plans they offer at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Sheila fahy says
How do I purchase a global card and what night time hrs appliy for 1.99 cents
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have no idea what company sells a global card, Sheila, so we can’t help you. Contact that company.
Mary Parks says
Do i get a free phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Did you apply for a free phone?
Jennifer says
Quiero darle de vaja porq no lo pyedo usar porq se me callo y se le salio la sim y me pide un pin que yo no se cual es q yo puedo hacer
Free Government Cell Phones says
See if this article helps, Jennifer:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/what-is-a-puk-code-and-how-do-you-find-it
Shakila says
Can I get a free phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read this website, Shakila. It will tell you if you’re eligible, and if you are, how to enroll.
Lucretia Miller says
I was approved for a free phone a while back. I still haven’t gotten the phone. why? I don’t understand what the delay is if there was something else I needed to do they should have told me. I don’t know what else to do please send me my free phone I need it I’m on my cousin’s phone right now and she needs it back I made this free phone my number is 704-795-****.it’s been a long time now. Please please send my smartphone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
How long ago did you apply, Lucretia? Which company did you enroll with, Lucretia? You need to call that company’s customer service team to get your questions answered.
glenda says
Anytime I have ever got phones from them it has NEVER been a smartphone , and I hardly ever got service . I had to go all the way in town before my small little blk phone would even work . But I made calls for me when I needed to make them
Free Government Cell Phones says
Smartphones became mandatory on December 2, 2016, Glenda. Have you opened a new account since then? If so, you should have received a smartphone.
Rev. Jeffrey Scott Orrell says
I filled out Qlinks website and they state THEY don’t offer ANY service in Iowa, but your site say’s they do,What’s up?
Free Government Cell Phones says
The entire Lifeline program has been in a state of flux recently, Reverend. There have been mergers, companies leaving the business, etc. We’ll check into this and get back with an accurate answer.
Beth says
I lost my free safelink phone. I called the 1800 safelink number but I cant talk to a real person. I need to talk to a real person, not a recorded message. What is the number I can call to talk to a customer service? I want to have a replacement phone but I want to buy the smartphone they now offer.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s info straight from the Safelink website, Beth:
Contact us by:
D
Phone Numbers:
For Enrollment and Plan Changes Support: 1-800-Safelink (723-3546) For Technical Support ONLY: 1-800-378-1684
Correspondence:
SafeLink Wireless
PO Box 220009
Milwaukie, OR 97269-0009
Hours of Operation
For Enrollments and Plan Changes:
Monday – Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. EST Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 7 p.m. EST
For Technical Support:
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. EST (7 days a week)
If you’re an existing customer, please provide us with your SafeLink Wireless serial number or your SafeLink Wireless phone number when contacting us so we can give you the best possible service.
Mercedes says
I need a free phone i have a 3 month old baby
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to enroll with one of the companies that offers free government cell phones in your state, Mercedes. Here’s where you can find a list of those companies and their plans:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Milagros says
I’m having problem with my cell phone and I call and they told me to buy one and then to call back to give me the info to put in the phone what I have to do?? I do have the free government lifeline..
Free Government Cell Phones says
Did you do as they said and call back to speak to customer service or tech support? Did you purchase a cell phone that is compatible with your service provider’s cell network?
lezora young says
how long do it take to get the phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Most free government cell phone companies say two weeks, Lenora. But based on what our readers say it’s probably more like three or four weeks. One unfortunate reader told us it took six months. We hope you’ll have a better experience.
Evangeline H says
Unfortunately, with some of these companies you HAVE to sign up on the spot, because that is the only way they do their marketing but if you are suspicious, go home and contact the company to be sure it is legit.
Mary Malewicz says
Can NY State Residents qualify
Free Government Cell Phones says
New York residents qualify for a number of the programs, Mary. Here’s where you can find a list of all the companies that serve the Empire State:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Elias Altamirano says
I would like a free phone i hope i quilified for one
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you checked to see if you qualify, Elias? You can find all the details here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
LISA RODIER says
1-800-safelink or safelink.com. THESE ARE THE WAYS TO GET YOUR LIFELINE SERVICES FOR A FREE GOVERNMENT PHONE. ANY STATE MAY APPLY
Justin says
Hi my name is Justin and I need a new phone my charging input is broken on my phone and I would like to make a phone I don’t have a phone and service
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not a free government cell phone company, Justin. You need to check out all the companies in your state to find the one that offers the best plan for your needs. Then enroll with that company. Good luck. Here’s where you can find all those companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Deborah says
I live in Virginia, I was issued an Android 3g ZTE. I was able to use Google. Not working now. Can’t change voicemail either. Please help! #804_878_****. Assurance.
Thanks. Debbie
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team by phone or online.
Dan C says
If u dont mind just exactly what fraud are we talking about here to my knowledge they have a current photo id benefits card and a ss card theres no doubt in question who the person is u take pictures of everything and they hand sign the contract the same contract same information theyed have to give online they run name and numbers if everything checks they get the phone on the spot none of the information i recieve and pictures taken stay in the portal and after i activate the phone all that i can see after that point is name and account number and who signed i believe some are more strict you can only see your sign ups noone elses they are doing and are always doing whatever to try stop any kind of illeagel avctivity if anything corperate holds that information so the odds of are just as good in the upper levels probably even more possible they hold everything the person at a tent is so limited to the capabilities of doing the sign up itself let alone fraud ive ben doing phones for two years myself and i quarnty u ive got to account for every phone i give out i personally feel that u r giving a person whos trying to make an honest living a bad rap anyone who thinks that fraud doesnt exsist in everyform of eveyone of every industry would be mislead i mean theres mailfraud ,theres employee fraud theres tax fraud fraud comes in every form shape and size i believe the tent has ben unfairly judged thank you for letting me comment
Free Government Cell Phones says
There are countless examples of fraud, Dan. Several companies have been charged fined substantial amounts of money because their agents did not follow the rules. Search around this website and you’ll find a number of stories.