> SUBJECT: 809 area code
>
> 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 to all your friends and family so they don't get
> scammed!
>
> MAJOR SCAM:
> Don't respond to Emails, phone calls, or web pages which tell you to call
> an "809" Phone Number. This is a very important issue of Scam Busters
> because it alerts you to a scam that is spreading *extremely* quickly can
> easily cost you $2400 or more, and is difficult to avoid unless you are
> aware of it. We'd like to thank Verizon for bringing this scam to our
> attention. This scam has also been identified by the National Fraud
> Information Center and is costing victims a lots of money. There are lots
> of different permutations of this scam.
>
> 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 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 can be obtained from the following AT&T Web Site
>
>
http://www.att.com/fraud/home.html#thre/s/