Everyone Read: Phone Scam

[Untamed]

ABOUT AREA CODES

We actually received a call last week from the 809 area code. The woman said 'Hey, this is Karen. Sorry I missed you--get back to us quickly. I Have something important to tell you.' Then she repeated a phone number beginning with 809. 'We didn't respond'.

Then this week, we received the following e-mail:

Subject: DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODES 809 , 284 AND 876.
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO US BY AT&T. DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809.

This one is being distributed all over the US . This is pretty scary, especially given the way they try to get you to call.
Be sure you read this and pass it on.
They get you to call by telling you that it is information about a family member who has been ill or to tell you someone has been arrested, died, or to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc.
In each case, you are told to call the 809 number right away. Since there are so many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls.

If you call from the US , you will apparently be charged $2,425.00 per minute.

Or, you'll get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try to keep you on the phone as long as possible to increase the charges. Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you'll often be charged more than $24,100.00.

WHY IT WORKS:
The 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands (The Bahamas).
The charges afterwards can become a real nightmare. That's because you did actually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company. You'll end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong.

Please forward this entire message to your friends, family and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam.

Sandi Van Handel
AT&T Field Service Manager
(920)687-904
Additional information on these area codes can be found from ATT at:
http://www.consumer.att.com/consumertips/ar eacod<http://www.consumer.att.com/consumertips/areacode.html>

[renxwar]

Thats hardcore. Thanks for letting me know.

Thieving bastards.. there's no point to this but to screw someone out of money.

[chrisfrom nj]

809 area code is in the dominican republic i call there every once in a while with a phone card with a 2 dollar phone card i talk 80 min

[Knipps]

i've looked around and it's not to "never" deal with those numbers but basically don't call back who you're not sure of

If you receive such an email, keep in mind that while the modus operandi described does indeed take place, you should also be aware of the following:

* Not all phone numbers with 809 in the area code is part of this scam; most 809 numbers are legitimate, ordinary numbers.
* This scam has been used with area codes aside from 809.
* It is not, in fact, $2400 per minute; the figures involved with this scam have been greatly exaggerated over the years.
* The average US consumer is unlikely to encounter the scam itself.

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=6045

Originally Posted by Untamed

[FONT='Helvetica CE'][FONT=Times New Roman]ABOUT AREA CODES

We actually received a call last week from the 809 area code. The woman said 'Hey, this is Karen. Sorry I missed you--get back to us quickly. I Have something important to tell you.' Then she repeated a phone number beginning with 809. 'We didn't respond'

you also might want to mention that you personally didn't receive the call.