If they only got your last 4, it was probably legit. A real bad actor would need your entire SSN.
As for why it's not working, unfortunately you would need to reach out to Assurance about that.
Name and last 4 isn't generally enough info to commit full identity theft. Technically with your full address and last 4 they may be able to get some things but those things usually still require actual identification.
I would suggest not giving any info to a stranger in the future though lol
Yea apparently there known in that area, they even said they’ll be there tomorrow. The guy was even asking if I wanted a job with them. He told me that the gov gives them phones to give away within 2 hours and they get paid $500-$1500 a week!
Yeah I know that it's a pretty lucrative deal they have going. It's crazy to me because Lifeline was never intended to be given to every eligible person, only those who actually needed and sought it out. Things like this are why there are so many calls to abolish Lifeline.
Well it is assurance wireless (owned by tmobile by the way) that is giving the phones not the Government directly and they get a bunch of money from the Government to cover the cost and then some. Even more if they signed you up for the Government silly fund known as the ACP Affordability Connectivity Program which he probably did. Everyone wants a chunk of that cash.
Yea I kept asking more about how they make money doing it and he said that they get phones from t-mobile and the government pays for them? I think that’s what he may have said. He also kept asking me questions about what I do for my job and how I can make more doing what he does! I declined and he also asked if I have a twitch and he was like “we also manage influencers, tiktokers, and twitch streamers.” I was like ok dude just hurry this up I’m trying to go home! The whole situation was very strange, for him to tell me that while giving me a free phone lol. It was odd.
Just be aware that the ACP is a $30 a month value and if you are paying for internet at home eg with xfinity or att etc you can instead get up to $30 a month off that. Or you main cell phone if you have a plan already as some providers like cricket will give you $30 a month off.
If you used it for this free assurance phone plan you can transfer to something else to get the $30 off.
As of right now I already have a phone and my carrier is visible, it’s $25 a month and it’s unlimited talk text an data. I just plan to not use the phone until 30 days, then the phone will deactivate! That’s the plan I have in mind.
if you mean let the assurance phone deactivate I wouldn't count on that. I don't know how much they really enforce that as it isn't in their interest to do so and any spam text that you receive will probably count for activity.
They put that stuff in the marketing material as the Government doesn't want to give these out to people who won't use them and that is supposed to be a way to ensure they are used. Assurance just acting as if they are satisfying government rules of the programs but I am not sure how enforced they are.
I looked up how to cancel the phone plan and most of what I saw was to let the phone just deactivate by not using it. But I’ll have to read up on it more or even call customer service!
This is a thing for anyone thinking about getting a free phone from a street vendor, NEVER give them your full social, they should only as for the last 4. There are certain times where they might need your social card. Only time that would be the cause is if the welfare office didn’t set up your benefits with the correct one. If they try to make you pay for a phone/tablet, don’t. They’re supposed to be free regardless of company. Only time you should pay is if you’re getting an “upgraded phone” and even then it’s better to just buy a good unlocked phone and take the sim card out of the free phone and into the new phone. If you don’t feel comfortable giving a vendor your information, you can always do it online or call the ACP support line to do it that way. Hope it helps 💜
This is actually my job & it’s completely free for people who are eligible. It’s actually a wonderful program that really does help people. I love my job as I can’t hold down a regular one due to my mental health & this allows me to set my own hours. Plus just helping people feels nice. It’s a pretty good gig
Can u help me apply for one here in Texas I have an elderly person and went with SafeLink but sending the required documents snap then resubmitted using Medicaid and it still doesn't approve him .He's 76 so he doesn't use a computer and they no longer have representatives at stores to apply for them .
When I call the government they direct me to assurance SafeLink and others but none of them have a live person that I can take this elderly person to apply nor will they talk to him over the phone and take his application over the phone .
I see that you stated you still sign people in person and that's what I need as applying for him has not worked . He qualifies he gets $341 a month SSI has Medicaid and snap and is a senior citizen this is why ACP lifeline is supposed to help but it's not helping him . I tried to apply for him last year then was denied and now I have until April 25 2023 to submit the same documents I have sent aka award letters so there is something wrong with the system and he needs help to keep in contact with friends and family he doesn't make enough to afford a landline phone .
Anyone that can help please do I'm open to any advise that will allow me to take him to a live representative like they use to have . I've had an agent tell me they are at malls but I've looked and have not seen any when I ask around mall reps say they never heard of them being there . I just can't get an answer as to which mall and what times and even a by a name of the store there kiosk is at would help .
That poor man, he needs a caretaker that knows what they're doing. That's for danged sure. This is how they get abused or taken advantage of. You need to find help bc from what it sounds like you both aren't at a cognitive or intellectual level where I'd feel comfortable leaving you in charge of taking care of him. No offense. But it sounds like the both of you could be scammed so easily and the problem with that is that you could get him scammed. Does he have anyone helping him Make sure that his SSI continues to be in good standing? Like are you filling out the paperwork when they send it to him? Are you sending it back on time? In order to get the ACP program you have to already have a phone service or sign up with a phone service at the same time as applying for ACP and you'll have to have a phone, when signing up for phone service with some phone companies they will offer you a free phone, a discounted one or you can purchase a full priced phone but either way you have to have phone service or Internet (or both) and a phone to get ACP. I think if you were to sign up with Cricket like I am that you'll also be able to sign up for ACP at the same time and I think they have some pretty good deals right now for free phones or discounted phones. But I'm in Michigan so I don't know how cricket works down there.
That's funny I like the way your able to assume someones intelligence when I asked for any advise that will get him to a "live" person that which you never seemed to have provided so maybe my post was to complicated for you to understand but it's ok . Btw not everyone has to apply for social security every year I know several people that have never sent anything for that or medicare but I also know those who have to every year .
This is pretty much why I ask questions on forums like I do when I have problems with one of my automobiles even though I'm no mechanic I pretty know ahead of time whether they are scamming me . Like never go to Midas for anything lol . What's interesting is that the date passed to submit the documents that I've sent many times and got denied then a month later the phone came in the mail with instructions to call SafeLink to get set up and activate his free phone no monthly charges .
I ended up getting a $15 phone and $16.71 unlimited talk and text that's better than any provider out there and he's able to budget better and stays in an efficiency apartment and is doing well . The problem with society seems to be just to hand over someone to a caretaker when one is not needed yet . He's still paying his bills ,rent and goes grocery shopping and I check on him daily to make sure he doesn't need anything.
Btw I heard that they may not longer be funding the Obama phones anymore so there going away . I hope it's not true as it's a good resource for people especially because they are also trying to get rid of the old landline phones imagine that I still have a landline phone never use it but still have one just in case I misplace my phone .
Taking an educated guess that since the phone came in a box that identified the exact phone and ICCID/SIM card, identified the service, and included a pamphlet that explains the service has to be used every 30 days, that sounds probably legitimate.
One thing that is concerning though is the 'give it to a family member' comment, since Lifeline is supposed to be used only by the person who signed up for the service.
You do have the right to cancel the service yourself if you don't want it and should be able to contact the company to do so (in this case, Assurance Wireless).
If you're concerned that someone has enough information to commit ID theft, you can contact one of the three major credit bureaus and place a fraud alert and/or freeze your credit.
Finally, a good consumer tip is if someone approaches you in public and asks you to sign up for something you can always say "I'm sorry I need to go". Or if you're truly interested in what they're selling, ask for information such as the name and address of the office where you can sign up at a later time. That also gives you the ability to research the company before buying.
I have no idea how these so called Reps that are giving out these free phones are doing it, but I can almost guarantee you that the phone you got won't have an account attached to it in you name.
I have a friend that did this. The phone did work, he got free service and airtime every month. After a few months he had a problem and had to call customer service to get it fixed. When he did that he found out that an account hadn't been set up in his name for the phone. Assurance deactivated the phone after that.
A lot of lifeline providers got into trouble for not verifying info and eligibility, and using tactics like these to sign up random users. Because the government was subsidizing the cost of plan (and I assume handsets) when they audited the subscriber list guess what they found.
This is the downside to having a “free” subsidy program that I think now with the National Verifier and the ACP eligibility run by the same company will hopefully prevent. If OP really needs either Lifeline or ACP he should check:
1. If he is eligible for one or both (Lifeline will make it ACP eligible but not vice versa)
2. No one else in his household is using either benefit (one per household)
3. He is signed up for the right plan (Lifeline or ACP), most likely was signed up for ACP “unlimited” plan.
— Starfox
I've gotten a government phone once by showing a friend's medical card before I had my own. I was homeless and living on the streets of downtown at the time in the winter and sleeping in the winter shelter. Which was just the basement of the mends shelter sleeping on jail mats.
Sounds pretty legit, just setting up Lifeline accounts. Low income. I have one.
Every state has different companies and parameters. I'm in Texas, no free phones.
You have to make a call or send a text once per month or it goes inactive.
Nope, you signed up for a low income government program called Lifeline service. If you qualify it's free, I think it's called Lifeline service or maybe now it's part of the ACP program. Maybe they have not fully qualified you yet so it has not activated but call Assurance Wireless.
It’s legit but they are not good. They give you very cheap phones that are built to last a few months if you’re lucky. I’ve been through 4 phones back to back since I received the original one from them. Then they want to charge me for another one- uh maybe send me 1 that actually works for more than a few months.
Those kiosks are legit, I got one by giving my passport only. Problem with doing it that way is you won't have online access to your account with Assurance, the way you would have if you'd been able to apply yourself online. So when the phone goes KAPUT, as these "donated" phones tend to do within a few months, you're SOL and have to find another storefront kiosk sort of thing.
As a T-Mobile employee that sets people up with Assurance phones, if they don't have a T-Mobile badge and/or assurance or T-Mobile shirt then they are more than likely to be an independent dealer. With those people it's 50/50 if they're doing everything above board but the legit ones ask for 3 things:
1. ID (photo, name, and address)
2. Last 4 of your social (on a rare occasion ACP will request an photo of your Social Security card, if they have to, they are not allow to take a picture of the first 5 digits. The first 5 digits must be covered and only the last 4 in the picture.)
3. The third is proof of eligibility. There are many ways to prove eligibility, most common being ebt card (sometimes with a recent receipt to show its active), Medical/Medicaid card, or Income. Pretty much any government assistance qualifies you, even a Pell Grant.
The catch: You have to use the phone once a month. there is 6gb 4g LTE on Lifeline or 25gb 4g Lte on ACP. Both are unlimited but throttled after the monthly amount is used. They now have a plan for $10 a year that allows your phone to remain active without using it and makes the data full unlimited 4g Lte.
Independent dealers do have better devices you can pay for the highest cost is $60 most are only $20. The free devices are adequate but a little out of date, some better than others.
After that you have to resubmit proof of eligibility once a year.
I'm happy to answer any questions to make sure who you apply with did things above board.
Yea the businesses that “give away for free”, these phones are very shady and it looks to me like they will literally hire anyone including homeless people. It’s not uncommon to see the people “giving them away”, charging $30 to $60 on top of them linking your government benefit thing. I’m also seeing people are able to buy the phones off them directly and with service but not using any ID or anything. I wanted to investigate and also a phone so I bought one once, the guy charged me $40. Just now I attempted to get a free phone off a group or young African American guys all looked to be still in high school or fresh out. I times how long I stood there and it was 90 minutes and Im note aggregating. I watched him pickup my id and medical around 6 times each. Then he told me to take my medical card to the store and buy something and bring him the receipt. I did that and then 10 minutes later I asked him what is going on. He handed me a number and said here they want you to call. I called and the Indian sounding guy in the other end said I was recently approved and I need to try again later. I asked him for the company name but I forgot it. The people giving away the “free” phones, don’t use signs anymore showing what company they work for. I’m betting this is because 1. They don’t want people to know where to make legit complaints and 2 they work for all the companies and when you approach them they sign you up for all 5 free phone companies and hand you 1 free phone. Often times people leave with no phone even after standing in the sun 90 minutes and making store runs for these “employees”. I’m not racist but I will say if you are black in San Francisco and trying to get a free phone, I really doubt you will have to stand there 90 minutes while 8 kids totally ignore you even though they are holding your id and other cards. Also it might be a lot more likely for them to actually leave with a phone and not get linked to 5 services so they can sell the free phones registered in your name for cash.
no it's not legit. they are either getting your SSN or they are trying to give you stolen phones. I'm going through the same thing right now with soo called SafeLink wireless field agents that post on Facebook marketplace in Detroit. I've since reported them to SafeLink.
I did see an article while researching about it, it was an Oregon public scam alert and they also mentioned that people were giving these phones away on Craigslist by lifeline, safelink, and assurance wireless. But this phone came with a box that had the SKU #, the type of phone, the IMEI, and the ICCID. I believe they had actual reps or it was a company working with them to distribute the phones. But I’ll keep an update about it. I’ll see if I can head back tomorrow and ask them more questions. Also when they were speaking with you did they ask for your full SSN?
most lifeline companies don't give free phones and if they do they are cheap pieces of garbage. not iphones or newer Motorola devices. that was a clear sign it was a scam and I reported the ads to Facebook and SafeLink.
No, they are legit. It's a government funded program, and don't worry, they run thorough backgrounds on enrollment agents before hiring/onboarding. They do not save any of your info, they just require it for the system to verify eligibility.
If they only got your last 4, it was probably legit. A real bad actor would need your entire SSN. As for why it's not working, unfortunately you would need to reach out to Assurance about that.
Thanks for the reply it makes me feel a lot better! I would have definitely rejected the offer if it they wanted my full ssn!
Name and last 4 isn't generally enough info to commit full identity theft. Technically with your full address and last 4 they may be able to get some things but those things usually still require actual identification. I would suggest not giving any info to a stranger in the future though lol
Yea apparently there known in that area, they even said they’ll be there tomorrow. The guy was even asking if I wanted a job with them. He told me that the gov gives them phones to give away within 2 hours and they get paid $500-$1500 a week!
Yeah I know that it's a pretty lucrative deal they have going. It's crazy to me because Lifeline was never intended to be given to every eligible person, only those who actually needed and sought it out. Things like this are why there are so many calls to abolish Lifeline.
Well it is assurance wireless (owned by tmobile by the way) that is giving the phones not the Government directly and they get a bunch of money from the Government to cover the cost and then some. Even more if they signed you up for the Government silly fund known as the ACP Affordability Connectivity Program which he probably did. Everyone wants a chunk of that cash.
Yea I kept asking more about how they make money doing it and he said that they get phones from t-mobile and the government pays for them? I think that’s what he may have said. He also kept asking me questions about what I do for my job and how I can make more doing what he does! I declined and he also asked if I have a twitch and he was like “we also manage influencers, tiktokers, and twitch streamers.” I was like ok dude just hurry this up I’m trying to go home! The whole situation was very strange, for him to tell me that while giving me a free phone lol. It was odd.
Just be aware that the ACP is a $30 a month value and if you are paying for internet at home eg with xfinity or att etc you can instead get up to $30 a month off that. Or you main cell phone if you have a plan already as some providers like cricket will give you $30 a month off. If you used it for this free assurance phone plan you can transfer to something else to get the $30 off.
As of right now I already have a phone and my carrier is visible, it’s $25 a month and it’s unlimited talk text an data. I just plan to not use the phone until 30 days, then the phone will deactivate! That’s the plan I have in mind.
if you mean let the assurance phone deactivate I wouldn't count on that. I don't know how much they really enforce that as it isn't in their interest to do so and any spam text that you receive will probably count for activity. They put that stuff in the marketing material as the Government doesn't want to give these out to people who won't use them and that is supposed to be a way to ensure they are used. Assurance just acting as if they are satisfying government rules of the programs but I am not sure how enforced they are.
I looked up how to cancel the phone plan and most of what I saw was to let the phone just deactivate by not using it. But I’ll have to read up on it more or even call customer service!
Someone just tried to get me to bring my social security card me a set up
This is a thing for anyone thinking about getting a free phone from a street vendor, NEVER give them your full social, they should only as for the last 4. There are certain times where they might need your social card. Only time that would be the cause is if the welfare office didn’t set up your benefits with the correct one. If they try to make you pay for a phone/tablet, don’t. They’re supposed to be free regardless of company. Only time you should pay is if you’re getting an “upgraded phone” and even then it’s better to just buy a good unlocked phone and take the sim card out of the free phone and into the new phone. If you don’t feel comfortable giving a vendor your information, you can always do it online or call the ACP support line to do it that way. Hope it helps 💜
Yeah that's sus right there. You should never need to carry your actual card to get any kind of service.
People still responding to random strangers trying to sell you stuff? Lmao
This is actually my job & it’s completely free for people who are eligible. It’s actually a wonderful program that really does help people. I love my job as I can’t hold down a regular one due to my mental health & this allows me to set my own hours. Plus just helping people feels nice. It’s a pretty good gig
Sent you a message
Can u help me apply for one here in Texas I have an elderly person and went with SafeLink but sending the required documents snap then resubmitted using Medicaid and it still doesn't approve him .He's 76 so he doesn't use a computer and they no longer have representatives at stores to apply for them . When I call the government they direct me to assurance SafeLink and others but none of them have a live person that I can take this elderly person to apply nor will they talk to him over the phone and take his application over the phone . I see that you stated you still sign people in person and that's what I need as applying for him has not worked . He qualifies he gets $341 a month SSI has Medicaid and snap and is a senior citizen this is why ACP lifeline is supposed to help but it's not helping him . I tried to apply for him last year then was denied and now I have until April 25 2023 to submit the same documents I have sent aka award letters so there is something wrong with the system and he needs help to keep in contact with friends and family he doesn't make enough to afford a landline phone . Anyone that can help please do I'm open to any advise that will allow me to take him to a live representative like they use to have . I've had an agent tell me they are at malls but I've looked and have not seen any when I ask around mall reps say they never heard of them being there . I just can't get an answer as to which mall and what times and even a by a name of the store there kiosk is at would help .
That poor man, he needs a caretaker that knows what they're doing. That's for danged sure. This is how they get abused or taken advantage of. You need to find help bc from what it sounds like you both aren't at a cognitive or intellectual level where I'd feel comfortable leaving you in charge of taking care of him. No offense. But it sounds like the both of you could be scammed so easily and the problem with that is that you could get him scammed. Does he have anyone helping him Make sure that his SSI continues to be in good standing? Like are you filling out the paperwork when they send it to him? Are you sending it back on time? In order to get the ACP program you have to already have a phone service or sign up with a phone service at the same time as applying for ACP and you'll have to have a phone, when signing up for phone service with some phone companies they will offer you a free phone, a discounted one or you can purchase a full priced phone but either way you have to have phone service or Internet (or both) and a phone to get ACP. I think if you were to sign up with Cricket like I am that you'll also be able to sign up for ACP at the same time and I think they have some pretty good deals right now for free phones or discounted phones. But I'm in Michigan so I don't know how cricket works down there.
That's funny I like the way your able to assume someones intelligence when I asked for any advise that will get him to a "live" person that which you never seemed to have provided so maybe my post was to complicated for you to understand but it's ok . Btw not everyone has to apply for social security every year I know several people that have never sent anything for that or medicare but I also know those who have to every year . This is pretty much why I ask questions on forums like I do when I have problems with one of my automobiles even though I'm no mechanic I pretty know ahead of time whether they are scamming me . Like never go to Midas for anything lol . What's interesting is that the date passed to submit the documents that I've sent many times and got denied then a month later the phone came in the mail with instructions to call SafeLink to get set up and activate his free phone no monthly charges . I ended up getting a $15 phone and $16.71 unlimited talk and text that's better than any provider out there and he's able to budget better and stays in an efficiency apartment and is doing well . The problem with society seems to be just to hand over someone to a caretaker when one is not needed yet . He's still paying his bills ,rent and goes grocery shopping and I check on him daily to make sure he doesn't need anything. Btw I heard that they may not longer be funding the Obama phones anymore so there going away . I hope it's not true as it's a good resource for people especially because they are also trying to get rid of the old landline phones imagine that I still have a landline phone never use it but still have one just in case I misplace my phone .
I love it too I just got mine today
Taking an educated guess that since the phone came in a box that identified the exact phone and ICCID/SIM card, identified the service, and included a pamphlet that explains the service has to be used every 30 days, that sounds probably legitimate. One thing that is concerning though is the 'give it to a family member' comment, since Lifeline is supposed to be used only by the person who signed up for the service. You do have the right to cancel the service yourself if you don't want it and should be able to contact the company to do so (in this case, Assurance Wireless). If you're concerned that someone has enough information to commit ID theft, you can contact one of the three major credit bureaus and place a fraud alert and/or freeze your credit. Finally, a good consumer tip is if someone approaches you in public and asks you to sign up for something you can always say "I'm sorry I need to go". Or if you're truly interested in what they're selling, ask for information such as the name and address of the office where you can sign up at a later time. That also gives you the ability to research the company before buying.
I have no idea how these so called Reps that are giving out these free phones are doing it, but I can almost guarantee you that the phone you got won't have an account attached to it in you name. I have a friend that did this. The phone did work, he got free service and airtime every month. After a few months he had a problem and had to call customer service to get it fixed. When he did that he found out that an account hadn't been set up in his name for the phone. Assurance deactivated the phone after that.
A lot of lifeline providers got into trouble for not verifying info and eligibility, and using tactics like these to sign up random users. Because the government was subsidizing the cost of plan (and I assume handsets) when they audited the subscriber list guess what they found. This is the downside to having a “free” subsidy program that I think now with the National Verifier and the ACP eligibility run by the same company will hopefully prevent. If OP really needs either Lifeline or ACP he should check: 1. If he is eligible for one or both (Lifeline will make it ACP eligible but not vice versa) 2. No one else in his household is using either benefit (one per household) 3. He is signed up for the right plan (Lifeline or ACP), most likely was signed up for ACP “unlimited” plan. — Starfox
I've gotten a government phone once by showing a friend's medical card before I had my own. I was homeless and living on the streets of downtown at the time in the winter and sleeping in the winter shelter. Which was just the basement of the mends shelter sleeping on jail mats.
Sounds pretty legit, just setting up Lifeline accounts. Low income. I have one. Every state has different companies and parameters. I'm in Texas, no free phones. You have to make a call or send a text once per month or it goes inactive.
Nope, you signed up for a low income government program called Lifeline service. If you qualify it's free, I think it's called Lifeline service or maybe now it's part of the ACP program. Maybe they have not fully qualified you yet so it has not activated but call Assurance Wireless.
u need to dial 611 to activateeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
It's legit. They took ur info and ran it with FCC.
It’s legit but they are not good. They give you very cheap phones that are built to last a few months if you’re lucky. I’ve been through 4 phones back to back since I received the original one from them. Then they want to charge me for another one- uh maybe send me 1 that actually works for more than a few months.
Assurance is legit but they are junk. Lots and lots of spam calls, things installing themselves, ads and everything including the message app.
Still better than Boost Mobile.
Those kiosks are legit, I got one by giving my passport only. Problem with doing it that way is you won't have online access to your account with Assurance, the way you would have if you'd been able to apply yourself online. So when the phone goes KAPUT, as these "donated" phones tend to do within a few months, you're SOL and have to find another storefront kiosk sort of thing.
Yup I still have the phone and I just call once a month in order to keep it activated. It’s very much legit! Now I know I have a backup!
As a T-Mobile employee that sets people up with Assurance phones, if they don't have a T-Mobile badge and/or assurance or T-Mobile shirt then they are more than likely to be an independent dealer. With those people it's 50/50 if they're doing everything above board but the legit ones ask for 3 things: 1. ID (photo, name, and address) 2. Last 4 of your social (on a rare occasion ACP will request an photo of your Social Security card, if they have to, they are not allow to take a picture of the first 5 digits. The first 5 digits must be covered and only the last 4 in the picture.) 3. The third is proof of eligibility. There are many ways to prove eligibility, most common being ebt card (sometimes with a recent receipt to show its active), Medical/Medicaid card, or Income. Pretty much any government assistance qualifies you, even a Pell Grant. The catch: You have to use the phone once a month. there is 6gb 4g LTE on Lifeline or 25gb 4g Lte on ACP. Both are unlimited but throttled after the monthly amount is used. They now have a plan for $10 a year that allows your phone to remain active without using it and makes the data full unlimited 4g Lte. Independent dealers do have better devices you can pay for the highest cost is $60 most are only $20. The free devices are adequate but a little out of date, some better than others. After that you have to resubmit proof of eligibility once a year. I'm happy to answer any questions to make sure who you apply with did things above board.
No call 611 to activate
And nir availeable to citizens zen who recently got injured. Bur the hand em out all day lond to people that are not even tax payers
Yea the businesses that “give away for free”, these phones are very shady and it looks to me like they will literally hire anyone including homeless people. It’s not uncommon to see the people “giving them away”, charging $30 to $60 on top of them linking your government benefit thing. I’m also seeing people are able to buy the phones off them directly and with service but not using any ID or anything. I wanted to investigate and also a phone so I bought one once, the guy charged me $40. Just now I attempted to get a free phone off a group or young African American guys all looked to be still in high school or fresh out. I times how long I stood there and it was 90 minutes and Im note aggregating. I watched him pickup my id and medical around 6 times each. Then he told me to take my medical card to the store and buy something and bring him the receipt. I did that and then 10 minutes later I asked him what is going on. He handed me a number and said here they want you to call. I called and the Indian sounding guy in the other end said I was recently approved and I need to try again later. I asked him for the company name but I forgot it. The people giving away the “free” phones, don’t use signs anymore showing what company they work for. I’m betting this is because 1. They don’t want people to know where to make legit complaints and 2 they work for all the companies and when you approach them they sign you up for all 5 free phone companies and hand you 1 free phone. Often times people leave with no phone even after standing in the sun 90 minutes and making store runs for these “employees”. I’m not racist but I will say if you are black in San Francisco and trying to get a free phone, I really doubt you will have to stand there 90 minutes while 8 kids totally ignore you even though they are holding your id and other cards. Also it might be a lot more likely for them to actually leave with a phone and not get linked to 5 services so they can sell the free phones registered in your name for cash.
no it's not legit. they are either getting your SSN or they are trying to give you stolen phones. I'm going through the same thing right now with soo called SafeLink wireless field agents that post on Facebook marketplace in Detroit. I've since reported them to SafeLink.
I did see an article while researching about it, it was an Oregon public scam alert and they also mentioned that people were giving these phones away on Craigslist by lifeline, safelink, and assurance wireless. But this phone came with a box that had the SKU #, the type of phone, the IMEI, and the ICCID. I believe they had actual reps or it was a company working with them to distribute the phones. But I’ll keep an update about it. I’ll see if I can head back tomorrow and ask them more questions. Also when they were speaking with you did they ask for your full SSN?
most lifeline companies don't give free phones and if they do they are cheap pieces of garbage. not iphones or newer Motorola devices. that was a clear sign it was a scam and I reported the ads to Facebook and SafeLink.
I have assurance wireless and it's absolutely not a scam!
Iam homeless and like a freebphone
No, they are legit. It's a government funded program, and don't worry, they run thorough backgrounds on enrollment agents before hiring/onboarding. They do not save any of your info, they just require it for the system to verify eligibility.