Area Code 809 scam

[thedrifter]

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:

You will receive a message on your answering
machine or your pager, which asks you to call a
number beginning with area code 809. The reason
you're asked to call varies. It can be to receive
information about a family member who has been ill,
to tell you someone has been arrested, died, 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 the DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC. The 809 area code can be used as a
"pay-per-call" number, similar to 900 numbers in the
US. Since 809 is not in the US, it is not covered by
U.S. regulations of 900 numbers, which require that
you be notified and warned of charges and rates
involved when you call a "pay-per-call" number.

There is also no requirement that the company
provide a time period during which you may terminate
the call without being charged. Further, whereas
many U.S. homes that have 900 number blocking to
avoid these kinds of charges, do not work in
preventing calls to the 809 area code. We recommend
that no matter how you get the message, if you are
asked to call a number with an 809 area code that
you don't recognize just disregard the message. Be
wary of email or calls asking you to call an 809
area code number. It's important to prevent becoming
a victim of this scam, since trying to fight 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 fo..

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


http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/scams/809.htm


Sempers,

Roger