So according to Android Authority, the Freedom 251 by Ringing Bells is sketchy as hell (yes thats a link to their article).
Anyway, if all this turns out to be true then Ringing Bells will have a lot to answer for but its questionable at most. I mean, whiteout? Read a little more into the article, apparently AdCom is looking into the matter with the "Freedom 251". Personally, under $4 US is still a very enticing offer for lots of people but it seemed too good to be true.