TMobile scam to give free device

I went to get another phone because I dropped mine. That is when I learned I was under contract. I specifically told the rep that by no means did I want a contract. That was my very first statement, her response no problem. I told her my budget and I was also interest in home internet. long story short she gave me both at a affordable price. I was extremely happy. She told me the phone was free and when I get my bill in I will see a charge but to notice it will have a 0 balance, which it does. I learned a year later yes I am under a 2 year contract. I was pissed because this entire time I was under the impression that I purchased my phone out right. As long as you stay with tmobile the phone remains free to you but tmobile is paying for it. Whatever. I went into the store with the intention of purchasing another phone out right. The reps in the store kept telling me I had to pay the remaining balance on the other phone first. How stupid they thought I was. If I walk in the store to purchase a phone for the SRP and keep both phones not switching carriers, why would I have to pay the balance. Anyway when I contacted support all I got was an apology for the rep not explaining the policy. From reading the reviews it seems as all the reps fail to mention this policy. Coincidence? no not at all. They are told not to mention the policy. So therefore it is a scam. A scam to lock the customer in. Oh also the in store reps made a comment on how the phones they were selling had no promotions, insinuating  I could not afford them. So I feel like after their big loss here recently they cant afford another one but this needs to be brought to the BBB or someone's attention.