809 area code fraud

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I received this in an email today, and felt a major need to share it with everyone. Before deciding to do so, however, I went to the ATT.com website to see if the article was truly from them. Let me assure you that it is. They don't mention anything about how much the charges are for these calls, but I'm sure they are probably as huge as mentioned in the email. Please read this, and be very careful from now on. I apologize for this bein a bit long, but I think it's worth the read. Here is a link that verifies this scam's existence: http://www.snopes.com/fraud/telephone/809.asp Below is a note that explains this scam in more detail. AREA CODES AT&T IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT AREA CODES: 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: Subject: DON'T EVER 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 US, you will apparently be charged $2,425 per-minute. Or, you'll get a long recorded message. The point is that, 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 British Virgin Islands (The Bahamas). 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 message to your friends, family and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam. Sandi Van Handel AT&T Field Service Manager (920) 687-904 Additional information on these area codes can be found from ATT at: http://www.consumer.att.com/consumertips/areacode.html