The FCC says Total Call Mobile abused the Lifeline program and received millions in improper reimbursements for duplicate and ineligible consumers.
The FCC alleges that Total Call Mobile employees “willfully and repeatedly” violated FCC rules regarding Lifeline enrollment and unjustly enriched the company. Total Call Mobile’s violations were committed by some 800 employees over the course of several years.
Employees generated tens of thousands of duplicate and ineligible consumer enrollments across 13 states through a variety of deceptive practices. At least some Total Call Mobile employees alerted management to the violations, but they were ignored. After investigating, the FCC has issued a fine of $51 million.
“The forfeiture we propose today reflects the gravity of what appears to have been willful and intentional misconduct persisting for multiple years,” said the FCC.
The Lifeline program is meant to provide basic telephone service to low-income Americans.
