Listers,
This was sent to me by someone I know and tend to believe it's reliable.
I'm erring on the side of caution.
Gerard
>Subject: AREA CODE 809 scam, no joke!
>Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2001 13:11:35 -0700
>MIME-Version: 1.0
>X-Rcpt-To: pixelsmith@gerardsgarage.com
>
>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 & pass it on to all your friends and family so they don't get scammed!
>Don't respond to Emails, phone calls, or web pages which tell you to call
>an "809" Phone Number. This is a very important issue of Scam Busters
>because it alerts you to a scam that is spreading *extremely* quickly can
>easily cost you $24100 or more, and is difficult to avoid unless you are
>aware of it. This scam has also been identified by the National Fraud
>Information Center and is costing victims a lot of money. There are lots
>of different permutations of this scam.
>
>HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
>You will receive a message on your answering machine or your pager, which
>asks you to call a number beginning with area code 809. The reason you're
>asked to call varies. It can be to receive information about a family member
>who has been ill, to tell you someone has been arrested, died, 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 $24100.00.
>
>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 US. Since 809 is not in the US, 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 during which you may terminate the call without being
>charged. Further, whereas many U.S. homes that have 900 number
>blocking to avoid these kinds of charges, do not work in preventing calls to
>the 809 area code. We recommend that no matter how you get the message, if
>you are asked to call a number with an 809 area code that you don't
>recognize just disregard the message. Be wary of email or calls asking you
>to call an 809 area code number. It's important to prevent becoming a
>victim of this scam, since trying to fight 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.
>
--
Please visit Four Points Travel -
Discount Online International Travel Reservations
http://www.gerardsgarage.com/fourpoints
To make a reservation please call Toll Free 1-800-272-3253
G G Gerard Chateauvieux
E A
R R pixelsmith@gerardsgarage.com
A A
R G Pixelsmith on Duty
D E
S http://www.gerardsgarage.com
///
/// team-thicko@autox.team.net mailing list
///
|