Beware of free phone and tablet offers
MONROE, La. (KNOE) - The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is reminding people not to believe everything they see—especially if it is about free phones or tablets. However, there is a legitimate option for people who can’t afford a phone.
These universal phones are designed for people to call 911 in an emergency, but the BBB said the universal phone service has been abused in the past.
Jo Ann Deal with the BBB said you should beware of tents in parking lots offering free phones. She said those deals are for people who qualify as low-income. Many times they will ask for personal information.
“If something like this happens, we want you to know that you should never give out your social security number or your date of birth or sign any kind of agreement without getting a copy of it, and without knowing what you are paying for or not paying for, or who you’re dealing with,” said Deal.
Deal said AT&T is a part of that universal free phone service program, and if you get a text message or email about free phones or tablets, it’s probably a scam. If you do receive a suspicious text, you can forward it to AT&T at 7226. Text messages forwarded to 7726 are free for AT&T customers. You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
She said there is a list of phone carriers who are a part of the program that you can find on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) website.
Deal recommends doing your research, and finding out if you have to make payments, or how long the free phone service lasts.
“So remember, if it’s a verbal agreement, you shouldn’t enter into it. If you don’t get a copy of a contract, then you shouldn’t get involved. You should never give out personal information. If you didn’t sign anything, then you probably don’t have a contract and you may have given out your personal information for not a good reason,” said Deal.
She said if it sounds too good to be true, more than likely it is.
If you are a victim of this scam, you can contact Jo Ann Deal at 318-387-4600. You can also file a complaint with the FCC here.
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