Warning About Area Codes 809, 284 and 876
Sandi Van Handel AT&T Field Service Manager
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 US , 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.
Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you'll often be charged more than $24,100.00. WHY IT WORKS: The 809 area code is located in the Caribbean Islands (Puerto Rico, Aruba); the 284 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands (the Bahamas) and the 876 area code is located in Jamaica. The charges afterwards 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 mesage to your friends, family and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam
Sandi Van Handel AT&T Field Service Manager
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: NONE