OFF THE WIRE
PLEASE READ
>>New Area Code - PLEASE READ Be sure you read this and pass it on.
>>
>>809 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
>>beginning with 809. We did not respond. Then this week, we received the
>>following e-mail:
>>
>>Do Not DIAL AREA CODE 809, 284, AND 876 from the U.S. or Canada .
>>
>>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. or Canada , you will apparently be charged a
>>minimum of
>>$2425 per-minute.
>>
>>And you'll also 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.
>>
>>Please forward this entire message to your friends, family and colleagues
>>to help them become aware of this scam.
>>
>>AT&T VERIFIES IT'S TRUE :http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=6045
>><http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=6045>
>>
>>SNOPES VERIFIES IT'S TRUE:http://www.snopes.com/fraud/telephone/809..asp
>><http://www.snopes.com/fraud/telephone/809..asp>
