ABOUT AREA CODE
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 CODE 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 $2425
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 theBritish 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/areacode.html