FCC Chairman Wheeler Applauds DOJ Indictment of Three Men On Lifeline Fraud Charges

The Department of Justice charged three men with allegedly defrauding the FCC’s Lifeline program of approximately $32 million.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler issued this statement:

“The FCC is working hard to combat fraud in the Lifeline program, and I applaud our Office of Inspector General, the FCC’s Lifeline policy and enforcement teams, and the program administrator, USAC, for their considerable contributions that helped lead to the criminal fraud indictment. I particularly appreciate the continuing support provided by our law enforcement partners at the DOJ and FBI.

"Lifeline helps ensure that all Americans can afford phone service, providing connections to jobs, family and 9-1- 1. But we will not tolerate abuse of this program, and are gratified to see the results of our hard work to battle fraud.”