The scammers try to get you to call an area code that is outside the United States by telling you that it is important that you call a certain 809 number. Often they will say that it's important because a family member has been ill or has died, or they will lure you by promising that you've won a wonderful prize, etc. In each case, you are told to call the 809 number right away.
Because people are susceptible to such psychological manipulations, they often return these calls without realizing they are making long-distance, international phone calls.
You should realize that if you call from the U.S., you will incur extremely high charges on your phone bill, and this is a scam.
WHY IT WORKS:
The 809 area code scam works because a few regions outside the U.S., including the Caribbean and Canada, can be dialed directly without the usual "011" international prefix. "809" is the area code of the Dominican Republic. "284" is the area code of the British Virgin Islands. "876" is the area code of Jamaica. Since these numbers aren't subject to U.S. laws, there is no legal requirement to inform callers in advance of any special rates or fees.
The charges afterward can become a real nightmare. That's because the person actually made the call. You can complain, but 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.
IN SUMMARY:
- Do not call these numbers.
- Check the location of unfamiliar area codes before dialing. This can be done by querying the NANPA website (North American Numbering Plan Administration).
- Carefully read your telephone bill. Make sure that you only receive charges from your provider of choice, and ensure you thoroughly understand charges listed on your phone bill.
- If you have been scammed - do not pay. Consult first with an attorney for the steps that need to be taken, and pursue legal recourse that may help you in avoiding payment for fraudulent charges or reimbursement for payments made.
AT&T VERIFICATION:
http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=6045
SNOPES VERIFICATION:
http://www.snopescom/fraud/telephone/809.asp
Please send this information to your friends, family and colleagues to alert them to this scam.
