FTC Warns of Scammers Offering Help With Subsidized Broadband Programs

We first told you in March about a government program that provides a heavy discount for broadband service to anyone whose income has been negatively impacted during the coronavirus pandemic.

And now we have to warn you that scammers are taking advantage of that offer, and may try to rip you off if you're looking into the program.

The Federal Trade Commission issued a warning, saying that scammers - those lowlife dogs who try to separate you from your money - are offering to "help" people sign up for the service in an effort to steal their money.

The real government program is called the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. It gives consumers the opportunity to get discounts on certain devices like desktop or laptop computers and tablets. You may be eligible for a monthly discount on your broadband service, depending on who your service provider is.

But these scammers may use legitimate-sounding names and even display government seals in an attempt to get you to hand over your personal information, including your credit card number.

Here are some tips from the FTC to help you or someone you know get taken:

• Only sign up through the FCC and its listed providers. Use this direct link to see if you qualify.
• Never pay to sign up for benefits.
• Don't hand over your financial or other personal information to anyone who calls, texts, or emails, claiming to be with the FCC.

If you or someone you know has been tricked by a scammer, you can follow this link to try to get your money back.