You can't just walk out of the store and start using them. They have to be activated by giving personal information to the telephone company first. My husband is always losing his so a TracFone is the only kind he gets now.
"Purchase a TracFone Wireless Phone available at over 60,000 retailers nationwide. TracFone comes with everything you need to get started. The TracFone box includes a wireless phone, battery and charger. It also includes 60 days of active wireless service and 10 minutes of starter airtime. Your TracFone can be activated online or by calling 1-800-867-7183."
show me anywhere in the process where you have to provide solid ID to start using the phone. you activate by entering the ESN and airtime code into their website.