Politicians on both sides of the political spectrum gnash their teeth about fraud and waste in Lifeline Assistance, the free government cell phone program. However, we suspect that there will be considerably fewer complaints about money wasted on cell phones by government employees.
According to an Inspector General report issued last week, the Department of Energy wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars on cell phones and other mobile data devices that were never used.
FreeBeacon.com said, “More than 3,600 of DOE mobile devices, including cell phones and air cards, used less than a third of their data plan allowances…”
But wait — the details get even worse. The report indicates that the DoE wasted more than $325,000 on 1,021 devices that used none — absolutely none — of the data paid for in fiscal year 2012.
“The problems we identified occurred, in part,” the report says, “because the department had not always developed and/or implemented effective policies and procedures to govern the issuance, use, and monitoring of mobile computing devices and services.”
Who’s to blame for this outrageous, flagrant waste of taxpayer dollars? The report points the finger of guilt at “officials at several [DOE] sites” who, and we paraphrase, inadequately monitored their employees data usage.
That’s what’s known as an understatement.
Turns out that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Inspector General report also revealed that Department of Energy also wasted money by reimbursing contractors for “more than the cost the government would have paid for a government-procured mobile device service plan.” The total overpayments amounted to more than $500,000.
“Without improvements, the report concluded, “the department may not realize costs savings of more than $2.3 million over the next 3 years at just the programs and sites reviewed.”
Here’s our takeaway from this report:
Politicians constantly threaten to defund Lifeline Assistance, the free government cell phone program designed to help low-income Americans, because of fraud and abuse. We would hope those same politicians take note of this report and demand immediate changes across the entire federal government structure. After all, the Inspector General’s report uncovers millions of dollars in waste in just one Department in the vast federal apparatus.

Imagine how many additional millions of dollars are wasted on unneeded, unused cell phones in every other department.
Fair is fair. Instead of putting the entire burden of cost cuts on the nation’s poor, let’s put an equal or greater burden on our own government.
Source: Free Beacon
darlene difiglio says
How long does it take to get one of the free cell phones? I mailed an application in May 2014 and did a phone application July 24 and Aug. 20 they asked for more paperwork so I sent what they wanted plus a copy of the paper application and this is Sept 16 and still no word.
Free Government Cell Phones says
All these companies take entirely too long.
Mark says
First off let me make it very clear that the “OBAMA PHONE” started way back during the Bush years. I am not defending Obama as I don’t care for him, I just wanted to give accurate info. Anyway I knew someone who was on welfare for a short time and got the phone. He got a job, now has two and kept the phone. I reported him to Assurance which is the carrier nine months ago, I complained three times and they did nothing. I just sent them a threatening email that if they don’t take action I will report them to the FCC. I am already doing that anyway. I am appalled at how many people commit fraud on that and the Corporations know it. They should be audited and fine BILLIONS!
joe says
No. it started under the Reagan Era actually.
mike says
I know of someone who received 4 or 5 phones from different companies, unreal..!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
We encourage you to report the fraud.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/report-lifeline-assistance-fraud-abuse-waste
Ginger Sanchez says
I have had a ‘free government cell phone’ for the past 2 years or so, and I had also qualified for a discount on my home phone land line due to my extremely low income and advanced age I only use the cell phone for calls to the handicapped rider transportation program that takes me to my medical appointments and for emergencies as I live alone and have no relatives. This month I was forced to choose between the discount on the ‘no frills’ home phone or keeping the cell phone. Because BOTH are NECESSITIES, the new expense of $25.00 now added on to my home phone reduces my funds for food, yet apparently there are all sorts of loopholes for some folks to commit fraud. WHATS wrong with this picture?. Is there any HELP for me?
Bob says
Wow, busted only three in the Obama phone fraud investigation, did they put out a video against the Brotherhood or something?????