The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is advising consumers of a fraudulent website set up to mimic the FCC’s own enrollment site for its Emergency Broadband Benefit Program.
According to a press release issued in late August, the website purportedly set up and run by “WiFi Freedom USA” falsely claims to administer the FCC’s program, and that it can provide consumers with free devices and services under the program.
The FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (available at GetEmergencyBroadband.org) was established earlier this year to provide qualified consumers with discounts of up to $50 per month on their broadband services, as well as a one-time $100 discount on the purchase of a laptop, desktop, or tablet computer from participating providers.
The FCC is encouraging those who may have provided personal information through the WiFi Freedom USA website to visit IdentityTheft.gov. Additionally, consumers can file a report about government imposter fraud with the Federal Trade Commission at Reportfraud.ftc.gov, which also provides information on ways to potentially recover any monies paid through the fraudulent website.
