How can I tell if a government tablet offer is a scam?

Red flags include requests for upfront payments, high-pressure sales tactics, unsolicited contact, and requests for sensitive information like Social Security numbers over the phone. Legitimate programs are always free and never require payments.

What should I do if I encounter a tablet scam?

Report the scam to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, file a complaint with the FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov, and report cybercrime to the FBI's IC3 at ic3.gov. Document all communication and never provide personal information.

How do I verify if a tablet provider is legitimate?

Check the FCC's authorized provider database, verify the company's FCC authorization number, look for secure website connections (https), and cross-reference with official government sources. Only apply through official .gov websites or verified FCC-authorized providers.

Are government tablet programs really free?

Yes, legitimate government tablet programs like Lifeline and ACP are completely free. There are no application fees, processing fees, shipping charges, or activation fees. If anyone asks for payment, it's a scam.

What information is safe to share when applying for a government tablet?

Only share necessary eligibility information through secure, official channels. This includes proof of income, benefit program participation, or qualifying documents. Never share passwords, PINs, bank account details, or full financial history.

Avoid Government Tablet Scams

Protect yourself from fraudulent schemes. Learn to identify red flags, recognize legitimate providers, and report scams safely.

Learn Red Flags Verify Providers

Major Red Flags to Watch For

These warning signs indicate a potential scam. If you encounter any of these, stop immediately and verify the legitimacy of the offer.

Upfront Payment Requests

MAJOR RED FLAG

Legitimate programs never require payment for tablets or applications

Common Examples:

Asking for credit card information
Requesting processing fees
Demanding shipping charges
Requiring activation fees
Asking for gift card payments

High-Pressure Sales Tactics

RED FLAG

Scammers create urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly

Common Examples:

"Limited time offer" claims
Pressure to decide immediately
Threats that offer will expire
Refusing to provide written information
Aggressive follow-up calls

Unsolicited Contact

RED FLAG

Legitimate providers don't make unsolicited offers

Common Examples:

Cold calls about free tablets
Unsolicited emails or texts
Door-to-door sales visits
Social media direct messages
Robocalls with tablet offers

Requests for Sensitive Information

MAJOR RED FLAG

Scammers ask for more information than necessary

Common Examples:

Social Security numbers over phone
Bank account information
Credit card details
Full financial history
Passwords or PINs

Services:

LifelineACPTabletsMobile hotspots

How to Verify Providers

Always verify that a provider is FCC-authorized before sharing any personal information or applying for services.

• Visit the FCC's official website (fcc.gov)
• Search their Lifeline provider database
• Check the provider's authorization status
• Verify they serve your state or area

Common Scam Types

Understanding different types of scams helps you recognize and avoid them. Here are the most common fraudulent schemes targeting tablet seekers.

Fake Government Websites

Fraudulent sites mimicking official government pages

Scammer Tactics:

Similar URLs to official sites
Government-looking logos and seals
Fake application forms
Requests for personal information
Promises of immediate approval

Protection Strategies:

Verify URLs carefully (.gov domains)
Check for secure connections (https)
Look for official government seals
Cross-reference with official sources
Never enter SSN on suspicious sites

Phone Scams

Fraudulent calls claiming to offer free tablets

Scammer Tactics:

Caller ID spoofing government numbers
Claims of pre-approval
Requests for verification information
Pressure to act immediately
Transfers to "verification departments"

Protection Strategies:

Hang up and call official numbers
Never give personal info over phone
Verify caller identity independently
Report suspicious calls
Use call blocking features

Email/Text Scams

Fraudulent messages about tablet eligibility

Scammer Tactics:

Fake government email addresses
Links to malicious websites
Urgent action required messages
Requests to update information
Attachments with malware

Protection Strategies:

Don't click suspicious links
Verify sender addresses
Check with official sources
Use spam filters
Report phishing attempts

Social Media Scams

Fraudulent posts and ads on social platforms

Scammer Tactics:

Fake government agency pages
Too-good-to-be-true offers
Requests to share personal info
Links to external scam sites
Fake testimonials and reviews

Protection Strategies:

Verify page authenticity
Check official verification badges
Research offers independently
Report suspicious content
Avoid sharing personal information

How to Verify Legitimate Offers

Follow these steps to verify any government tablet offer before providing personal information or proceeding with an application.

Check FCC Authorization

Verify the provider is authorized by the Federal Communications Commission

Visit the FCC website and search their provider database

Research the Company

Look up the company's business registration and customer reviews

Check Better Business Bureau ratings and online reviews

Verify Contact Information

Ensure the company has legitimate contact information and addresses

Call their customer service and verify physical addresses

Review Terms and Conditions

Read all terms, conditions, and privacy policies carefully

Look for hidden fees, data usage policies, and cancellation terms

How to Report Scams

If you encounter a scam, report it to the appropriate authorities. Your report helps protect others from falling victim to the same scheme.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Primary agency for reporting consumer fraud and scams

Purpose: Consumer fraud and scam reporting

Website: reportfraud.ftc.gov

Phone: 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Report unauthorized Lifeline providers and telecom fraud

Purpose: Telecommunications fraud and unauthorized providers

Website: consumercomplaints.fcc.gov

Phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)

Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

FBI-operated center for internet crime reporting

Purpose: Online and internet-based scams

Website: ic3.gov

Phone: Online reporting only

State Attorney General

State-level consumer protection and legal action

Purpose: Local consumer protection and fraud

Website: Contact your state's AG office

Phone: Varies by state

Essential Safety Tips

Follow these essential guidelines to protect yourself throughout the entire application process.

Before Applying

Research the Provider

Thoroughly investigate any company before sharing personal information

Verify FCC Authorization

Check the FCC database to confirm the provider is legitimate

Read Terms & Conditions

Review all policies and agreements before proceeding

Never Pay Upfront Fees

Legitimate programs are completely free - no exceptions

Get Everything in Writing

Keep records of all communications and agreements

During Application

Use Secure Websites Only

Look for https:// and .gov domains for official applications

Provide Only Necessary Information

Share only what's required for eligibility verification

Keep Copies of All Documents

Save documentation for your records and future reference

Monitor Your Credit Reports

Watch for unauthorized activity after sharing information

Report Suspicious Activity

Contact authorities immediately if something seems wrong

🚨 Quick Safety Reminders

Never Pay Fees

Legitimate programs are 100% free

Verify First

Check FCC authorization before applying

Stay Secure

Use official .gov websites only

Stay Safe and Informed

Now that you know how to avoid scams, you can safely apply for legitimate government tablet programs. Always verify before you apply.

Apply Safely Check Eligibility