Many web sites claim to offer free ringtones, and most of them are legitimate, but there are a couple of issues that seekers of free ringtones should keep in mind before getting that ringtone. First, some of these sites, and can I stress some, are either outright scams or at best disingenuous. They may have free ringtones, but they're only available if you buy something else or pay for a membership first. The second potential problem with free ringtones is that the purveyor may be using private material such as movie themes and popular songs without paying royalties to the rights holder.

Many sites that offer free ringtones do so not because they love the public and want to make sure their ringtone needs are met, but rather as a lure to draw them in for nefarious purposes. This issue was highlighted most directly in 2005 when a judge ordered the shutdown of several web sites that were luring web surfers with promises of free ringtones, and then installing malicious software on their machines. Some sites that offer free ringtones may not go this far, but they may feature annoying pop up ads and other offensive content.

Many sites may offer free ringtones without installing spyware or inundating visitors with ads, but they still may present a legal issue. Most popular music is protected by copyright law, and any use of the music, such as in free ringtones, requires that royalties be paid to the artist.

While there are many good sources of free ringtones, it is worthwhile to read independent reviews of the sites before visiting them. If the free ringtones offered are popular songs or file themes, make sure that the website pays royalties to the artist. Be safe while searching, and have fun while hunting for free ringtones!