A recent ad targeting senior citizens for free cell phones has the local Better Business Bureau warning potential customers that there’s no such thing as a free lunch.
President Bill McGuire says Brilliant Built Technologies of Ohio claims they’ll give people in Bryan-College Station a free cell phone from which it’s easier to make emergency calls, but the company is rated F, as in “failure,” by the BBB.
McGuire says there’s a 48 hour deadline to make people feel more urgent, but really think hard because even if the phone is free, they haven’t told you about shipping or set-up costs.
Plus, he says the company also boasts of having free emergency calls, but actually all cell phone providers are required to transmit emergency calls whether you’ve subscribed or not.
For more information, call the BBB at 979-846-0099 or 1-800-392-3798.
Click below to hear BBB President Bill McGuire visit with WTAW’s Kat McMullen.
CLICK HERE to go directly to the local BBB website.
Additional information, courtesy of President Bill McGuire with the BBB.
Company Maintains Seniors Can Receive Free Cell Phones
The Better Business Bureau has received calls inquiring about an ad indicating that seniors can receive free cell phones.
A BBB search indicates that the company is Brilliant Built Technologies, 8000 Freedom Ave. NW, Canton, OH.
A report from the BBB serving that area indicates the company has an F rating due to 34 serious complaints filed against the business, advertising issues found by the BBB, and the business failed to resolve underlying causes of the pattern of complaints.
Beginning in May of 2013 the Ohio BBB began receiving calls regarding the Senior Mobile phone.
The BBB investigation revealed that the company is selling a phone designed to appeal to senior citizens that comes with 100 minutes.
The phone’s main feature is highlighted due to its one-touch safety button designed to instantly contact emergency medical, police, fire, and rescue.
The company highlights this service will be provided for free.
Consumers should be aware that the FCC’s basic 911 rules require wireless service providers to transmit all 911 calls to a PSAP, regardless of whether the caller subscribes to the provider’s service or not.
Consumers need to understand this service is essentially always free.
BBB investigations have found that the offer being presented is a prepaid service, and consumers have the option of obtaining additional minutes at cost.
This company has affiliate business names of Clear Cast HDTV Antenna, Comptek, National TV Processing Center, and US Commerce.