About Area Code 809, 284 and 876

[Guest guest]

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 beg inning with 809 . " We didn't respond " .

 

Then this week, we received the following e-mail:

 

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 fro m 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 British 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