NAHMA Update: FCC Issues Emergency Broadband Benefit Fraud Alert

August 30, 2021

Dear NAHMA Members,

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a Consumer Advisory Alert (attached) regarding the Emergency Broadband Benefit. For more information, please see the announcement below:

The FCC has issued a consumer advisory warning the public about an Emergency Broadband Benefit imposter website that was collecting personal information from consumers and falsely claiming to provide free devices and services related to the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program.  

Consumers are reminded to only use the official Emergency Broadband Benefit website, GetEmergencyBroadband.org, to enroll in the program. Consumers can also contact a participating provider directly, but they should first verify that a provider is approved to participate in the program by visiting fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers and searching by their state or territory.  

The WiFi Freedom USA website falsely claimed that it can provide consumers with free devices and services related to the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Consumers may have also seen advertisements for WiFi Freedom USA’s website on social media platforms. 

If you provided your personal information to WiFi Freedom USA, visit IdentityTheft.gov. If you made any payments to WiFi Freedom USA, please contact your financial institution to see if there are any remedies available to you. You can file a report about government imposter fraud with the Federal Trade Commission at Reportfraud.ftc.gov and get information about how to recover any money you paid.

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