The law firm representing Safelink says the company was "duped" and had nothing to do with the scheme that targeted hundreds of Florida veterans, seniors and Medicare recipients.
[WEB EXTRA: Local 6 talks with former worker about phone scheme ]
The company attorney called Local 6 Wednesday night saying Safelink did not sign off on the scheme and is "appalled" by the information Local 6 has uncovered.
The attorney says Safelink wants every Florida veteran, senior or anyone else approved for a free cellphone to be assured the phones will continue to operate at least through the end of 2015.
Safelink released a statement to Local 6, which read:
"We recently became aware of this situation and took immediate corrective action. We are continuing to investigate this matter and we are cooperating with regulators.
We value the sacrifices made by our veterans and are troubled by the apparent misrepresentations that were made to them regarding their eligibility for the SafeLink program.
Eligibility for SafeLink is limited. This is why we recently wrote to a number of SafeLink customers in order to verify their eligibility for their continued enrollment in the program.
While we continue our investigation of this matter, SafeLink will provide free wireless service to any affected customers at SafeLink's sole expense through at least the end of this year. There is no need to contact SafeLink to receive the service. Affected customers may also keep the phones they received which were also provided at SafeLink's sole expense."
Local 6 first broke the story Monday night. Thousands of Central Florida vets were recruited at veterans clinics from Kissimmee to Leesburg.
Former employees with Elite Marketing say they were told the veterans were eligible.
The used to buttons on the tablets Medicaid and SSI.
Now it appears someone was able to use a tablet app to fool the system. If you have any questions contact Mike Holfeld at MHolfeld@wkmg.com