I recently kept coming across ads on social media promoting a free wifi router called Ultra Link. The aggressive nature of these ads and the fact that I saw it on every single social media platform I use gave me a pause so I decided to look into it.
During my research, I discovered as is the nature of such aggressive marketing, that Ultra Link is a scam. In this article, we’ll be exposing how this scam works and the steps you can take if you’ve unfortunately fallen victim.
A full glance at Ultra Link Free Wifi Router
The Ultra Link Free WiFi Router is advertised as a revolutionary device that gives you unlimited satellite internet without needing an internet provider [SIM card] or a satellite dish. This is false due to the fact that remote connectivity is impossible without an actual satellite network. A WiFi router cannot connect to a satellite on its own, especially without the necessary hardware.
It promises unlimited internet which again is false as you will need a cellular data plan to connect to the internet with the help of a SIM card.
The Ultra Link sells from $60- $100 which they claim is a one-time life payment.
Addressing The Claim of “FREE” Internet
The company claims that the Ultra Link is free and has no additional cost outside the purchase fee of $60-$100. This claim is untrue considering that SIM cards and cellular data are needed for the router to work. This clashes with their claims to use satellite and that one doesn’t need to pay internet bills anymore. They also claim that the network outputs a speed of up to 500Mbps but individual testing by victims reveals that the speed is only that of the SIM card which ranges between 12-100Mbps.
Red flags of the Ultra Link Free Wifi Router
Deceptive marketing
The website claims the router can provide satellite internet anywhere in the world. However, without an actual satellite network, remote connectivity is unlikely. A simple WiFi router cannot connect to a satellite on its own, especially without the necessary hardware. But this product claims it can, which isn’t how satellite internet works and this makes it obvious that they’re lying about its capabilities.
Absence of any mentions on mainstream media outlets
With a product that offers so much for so little, one will expect it to be the rave of the decade. Media outlets, influencers, and the regular man should be talking about it but instead, it is as if this product doesn’t exist or the more plausible explanation is the fact that it is totally a fake product.
Generic images
The site uses generic pictures. If this were a real satellite tech company, original product photos would be used. This lack of branding suggests the images might be of regular inferior routers and could be found on sites like AliExpress or Alibaba, often at much lower prices.
Scam Reviews
The reviews on the website are also very suspicious. All reviews give five stars and have only positive comments, which is rare for any widely sold electronic item. These reviews appear fabricated as a couple of them are praising the device and not having to pay any internet bill since its purchase but it is quite impossible to provide global satellite internet for free. Reviews on other places like Amazon, Reddit, and some Facebook groups have only negative things to say about this product.
No technical details
The website doesn’t explain how the router works. They simply claim it connects to satellites, without explaining the underlying technology. Real satellite internet needs special equipment, contracts, and a subscription. This lack of technological transparency is suspicious.
The threat of malware
There is a considerable threat of malware associated with the Ultra Link Free Wifi Router which could expose your devices and personal information to security risks. As a Redditor commented, “If it costs nothing, you are the product”.
Contact information
This is always a surefire way to know if a business is legit or not. The Ultra Link website offers no reliable way of contacting them. The contact information on the website isn’t reliable as the listed phone number doesn’t work, and the address is a private residence, not a business location.
What to do if you got Scammed
If you already bought the Ultra Link Free WiFi Router, here are immediate steps you should take to protect yourself
Contact your bank: Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the transaction and ask about processing a chargeback to get your money back. Many banks offer fraud protection, so you might be able to recover your funds.
File a complaint: Report the fraud to the FTC Federal Trade Commission], IC3 [Internet Crime Complaint Center], and BBB [Better Business Bureau]. You should also provide all relevant records.
Check credit reports: Request credit reports to check for any accounts opened fraudulently using your information. Consider placing a credit freeze if needed.
Finally, spread the information to family and friends and also leave online reviews to stop other people from falling victim to the same scam.
Legit alternatives to the Ultra Link Free Wifi Router
There are various domestic choices of wifi depending on your country but we’ll be giving details on some global/international options:
SpaceX Starlink: From $50- $1000 per month unlimited data depending on your preferred plan. The speeds vary depending on your location and usage.
HughesNet: Speed of up to 100Mbps with unlimited satellite internet data.
Viasat: Speed of up to 150Mpbs with unlimited satellite internet data.
Others include Intellian, Inmarsat, Iridium, Thuraya, Globalstar, OneWeb, and Amazon’s Kuiper Systems.
Conclusion
Based on my extensive research, I’ve concluded that the Ultra Link Free Wifi Router is just an elaborate scam. The fake contact details address, fake reviews, false claims, deceptive marketing, and claims of offering free internet access for life are more than enough reasons to steer clear of this product. Remember, if something seems too good to be true then it probably is. In the future, it is imperative to do proper research before buying any product to avoid getting scammed.
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Samantha