IMPORTANT
INFO ABOUT AREA CODE
We actually received a call last week from the
809 are a 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:
Do Not 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 k now 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
U.S. , 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
British Virgin Islands (The
Bahamas).
The charges afterwards can become a real nightmare. That's because you did
actually make the call. If you compla in, 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