809 area code

[watch me tb]

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.

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

SNOPES VERIFIES IT'S TRUE

[katalyst]

That's stupid man.

[I Z 0 N 3]

X.X, i got an email about this too, haha from my aunt.

[Doyle]

k thanks

[Jim]

Premium phoneline win!

[Malcriado]

Part of my family lives in D.R.

[d72]

Why do I find it hard to believe that you'll be charged 2500 dollars per minute?

[Adolesc3nt]

lol 2000 bucks per minute. im sure its high but not that high.

[Cj.]

oh shit this is mean lol

[Paxman]

They found us out! nooooes! 2.5k bill...  That would be hard to explain to your parents lol..