Lifeline is real; it gives a monthly phone or internet discount after the National Verifier check. Free government tablet offers are everywhere. Some are legitimate service discounts through Lifeline, while many are scams that steal fees, IDs, or your EBT PIN. This guide stays focused on the exact scams, how to avoid them, and who to contact if you are targeted.
60-Second Scam Check
Quickly check if:
- Any upfront fee or gift card request.
- Link is a short URL or not.gov for eligibility.
- Pressure words: hurry, today only, limited stock.
- Requests for EBT PIN, ID selfie, or verification code.
- There is no visible address or phone number on the site.
If you find any two or more of these options, walk away.
The 10 Scams, with fixes
1: Government text with a short link
How it looks: “You are pre-approved, click here.”
Why it works: fear and rush.
Avoid: tapping or typing official sites yourself.
If you clicked: ‘Update your phone and browser, change key passwords, then report it.’
2: Activation or Processing Fee
It appears that you pay $50 to $150 for “shipping” or “release.”
Why it works, small fees feel normal.
Avoid government programs that do not take gift cards, Cash App, or crypto.
If you paid, file a dispute with your bank or app, save proof, and report it.
3: Fake National Verifier pages
It is a perfect copy that requests a whole SSN and a selfie of the ID.
Avoid; only use lifelinesupport.org, or reach it from fcc.gov.
If you entered data, place a fraud alert, watch new accounts, and file reports.
4: Door-to-door signups with no credentials
How it looks, pushy “agent,” no verifiable badge or support line.
Avoid sharing anything at your door; look up the company and call a real number.
If you shared photos, change your passwords, watch your benefits account, and report any suspicious activity.
5: Google Form that asks for EBT number and PIN
It is a simple form with no privacy policy in place.
Avoid entering a PIN outside your state portal.
If you entered a PIN, reset it with your state agency, and review transactions.
6: Social media giveaways in DMs
It looks like, “Free iPad today, message us.”
Avoid, real providers do not enrol by DM.
If you have sent the ID, lock down the accounts, and export the page to the platform.
7: “Account upgrade”
It looks like “send the code we just sent you.”
Avoid sharing codes, as this is a common tactic used in account takeovers.
If you shared a code, change passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, alert your carrier, and email provider.
8: Fake storefront with copied logos
It is a sleek site, featuring stock photos, no address, and a brand-new domain.
Avoid, check domain age, look for a working support line, trust your gut.
If you have purchased, dispute the charge, save screenshots, and report the issue.
9: Spoofed phone call asking for a deposit
How it looks, “you are pre-approved, send a deposit to ship your tablet.”
Avoid, hang up, search the company, call the number on the official site.
If you have already paid, please contact your bank or app to reverse the payment and then report the issue.
10: Fake complaint or Refund Portals
How it looks, look-alike pages for IC3 or agencies that harvest data.
Avoid typing ic3.gov yourself, and avoid sponsored links.
If you submitted info, file a real report at IC3.gov, then monitor accounts.
Quick Red Flag to the Action Table
| Red flag | Risk | Do this now |
| Upfront “shipping” or “activation” fee by gift card or Cash App | Untraceable payment, typical in fraud | Refuse, screenshot, report to FTC |
| Non .gov verifier link | Identity theft through fake intake | Type lifelinesupport.org or fcc.gov |
| Request for EBT PIN or one-time code | Benefits theft, account takeover | Never share, reset PIN, enable MFA |
| Door-to-door pressure to sign today | No time to verify legitimacy | Ask for the company name, and verify on official lists |
| “ACP tablet today” claim | ACP ended in 2024 | Treat as high risk, verify first |
Preventions to Follow
- Safe Browsing: Type addresses, avoid clicking links from texts or DMs, and bookmark official portals.
- Document Handling: Maintain a private folder and upload documents exclusively within the secure National Verifier or provider portals.
- Payment Safety: Never pay with gift cards, Cash App, or crypto for “activation” or “shipping.”
- Account Security: Enable multi-factor authentication, use a password manager, and secure your email and mobile carrier accounts first.
If you were scammed: How to Recover
If you paid by debit or credit card
Call the number on your card and say, “I need to dispute a charge for suspected fraud.” Ask about time limits.
- Card networks often allow about 120 days from the charge or expected delivery date.
- Start now; delays hurt your chances.
If you paid by gift card
Contact the gift card company immediately and request that they freeze the remaining funds.
- Then file a report with the FTC.
- Keep card numbers and store receipts.
If you shared personal info
Make an identity theft plan at IdentityTheft.gov.
- You can place a fraud alert.
- And get step-by-step letters to send to banks and credit bureaus.
If the scam used a fake government site
Report at ic3.gov and include the exact URL.
- Do not reuse passwords you typed on a fake page.
Where to Get Help or Report
FTC Consumer Response Centre for fraud reporting and recovery steps.
- Phone 1 877 382 4357
- Address 600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20580.
- Website: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
FCC Consumer Complaints for phone or internet provider problems.
- Phone: 1 888 225 5322
- Address 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554.
- consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.
FBI Internet Crime Complaint Centre (IC3)
- File online only at ic3.gov.
Evidence to Collect Before You Report
- Screenshots of texts, emails, DMs, and checkout pages.
- The URL you visited and the time you visited.
- Payment records, gift card receipts, bank or app confirmations.
- Names used by the “agent,” phone numbers, usernames, and any addresses shown.
FAQs
Are any free or low-cost tablets still available in 2025?
Some providers may offer low-cost refurbished devices, and Lifeline can still help reduce your monthly bill; however, there is currently no federal ACP device discount available.
Can SNAP or Medicaid help me qualify for service discounts?
Yes, qualifying benefits can support Lifeline eligibility, but you must enrol with an approved provider and verify through official systems.
What should I collect before I report a scam?
Keep the ad or post, payment receipts, card numbers if it was a gift card, chat logs, email headers, and the exact website or profile URL. Then, report the incident at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Can I get my money back after paying a scammer?
Sometimes, yes. Card disputes typically have a window of approximately 120 days, so act promptly to resolve them. Gift card refunds can be challenging, but you can request that they freeze the balance immediately.
Conclusion!
In 2025, free government tablet scams mostly rely on expired ACP claims, rushed payments, and private chats. Slow the process, verify the company, avoid gift cards and peer-to-peer (P2P) payments, and use the official help desks provided above. If things go wrong, report it quickly; this improves your chances of getting money back and helps protect others.
If you’d like, I can create a short checklist that you can print, along with a state-specific provider list to call first before trying any offer.
If you want a Free tablet with EBT, visit the homepage.