Phone Scam/809 area code

809 AREA CODE----Important

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:

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 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 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.

WHY IT WORKS:

The 809 area code is located in the Dominican Republic .

The charges afterward 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.

This is a chain email letter that has been traveling around for years. The best thing to do is not forward it.

Like many chain email letters, there is some truth to what is claimed, and a whole lot of alarmist exaggeration.
This scam is also extremely uncommon these days.

The 809 area code really is outside the US. International calling rates really do apply, sometimes at a premium. However, those rates do not run into the thousands of dollars per minute as the email claims. Those who have fallen for this scam have typically lost nowhere near $100.

In general, it is best not to return calls unless you know you have legitimate business with the person. Phone numbers can always be googled and checked online before you return calls.

Thanks Dotti. I received this from the computer center IT guys here at work? Go figure. I thought it was real because of the source.
Thanks again.

I have removed some additional posts on this topic --the poster clearly had not read the response as he was too busy trying to sneak in a spam link.

Once again, I am noting that this is a chain email that has been going around for over 10 years, and is full of half-truths and exaggeration.

The actual scam is not common these days, and charges have never been anywhere near the thousands of dollars per minute range. This is just an extreme exaggeration.

Locking to prevent further confusion.