OT - Costly NEW AREA CODE: READ AND PASS ALONGHey folks, I just received this, and if snopes verifies it, there must be something to it. Don't get ripped.
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 usquickly. I have something important to tell you.' Then she repeated aphone 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 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.
Theyget you to call by telling you that it is information about a familymember 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.
Andyou'll also get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try tokeep 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 .
Thecharges afterward can become a real nightmare. That's because you didactually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone companyand your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and willmost likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for theforeign company. You'll end up dealing with a foreign company thatargues 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 : https://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=6045
SNOPES VERIFIES IT'S TRUE: https://www.snopes.com/fraud/telephone/809..asp