complaint about area code "809"

complaint about area code "809"

September 7, 2005

Hello, this is my complaint about the following area codes:

-809

-284

-876

Part of my complaint is to inform you about the following area code scam.

We recently 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. Have something important to tell you." Then she repeated a phone number begining with 809. We didn't respond.

Then this week, we received the following email: Subject- Don't ever dial area codes 809, 284, 276. This is very important information. Don't ever dial area code 809.

This scam is being distributed all over the U.S.. This is pretty scary given the way they try to get you to call. Be sure to read this and pass it on to all of your friends.

Here's how it works:

You will receive a message on your answering machine or pager which tells you to dial a number with the area code 809. The reason you're asked to call varies. It could be about a family member who is ill, to tell you someone has been arrested or killed, to let you know that you have won a wonderful prize, etc. In each case, you are told to dial the 809 number right away. Since there are so many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls.

If you are calling 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 line as long as possible to increase the charges. Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you'll often be charged $24,100.00

Here's why it works:

The 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands (The Bahamas). The 809 area code can be used as a "pay-per-call" number, similar to 900 numbers in the U.S.. However, it is not covered by U.S. regulations of 900 numbers, which require that you be notified and warned of charges and rates involved when you call a "pay-per-call" number.

There is also no requirement that the company provide a time period by which you may terminate the phone call without being charged. Further, where-as many U.S. homes have 900 number blocking to avoid these charges, do not work in preventing calls to the 809 area code.

I recommend that no matter how you receive the message, if you are asked to make a call to a number with the 809 area code which you do not recognize, just disregard the message.

Beware of emails and calls that ask you to call the 809 area code number. It is important to prevent becoming a victim of this scam, since trying to fight the charges afterward becomes a real nightmare. That is because you actually did make the call. If you complain, both your local telephone 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 that argues that they have done nothing wrong.

Please tell others to beware of this scam, so that no one else will fall victim to this fraud. Thank you for reading!

Sandy Click this link to e-mail the message author: Email User