I got this mail today

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ramy

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Dec 16, 2007
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Subject: FW: Costly NEW AREA CODE: READ AND PASS ALONG


Costly NEW AREA CODE: READ AND PASS ALONG



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 :AT&T | 809 Area Code and Other Long Distance Phone Scams

SNOPES VERIFIES IT'S TRUE:http://www.snopes.com/fraud/telephone/809..asp
 

Ken

Platinum
Jan 1, 2002
13,884
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Lots of info on this: 809 area code - Google Search

Main thing seems to be not to call back or fax back to an unknown number with an 809 area code. So if you get a message saying you won the lottery, please call 809xxxxxxx for info on getting your money, ignore the call.
 

Kyle

Silver
Jun 2, 2006
4,266
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for all you guys that have chicas (aka "my girl" ) in the DR, this might be a disturbing phone call :ermm:
 
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