Interesting People mailing list archives
IP: New Phone Scam 809 Area -- well new versio n of old idea
From: Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>
Date: Mon, 02 Aug 1999 10:51:07 -0400
From: "PAUL JULIEN" <p.julien () worldnet att net> To: <farber () cis upenn edu> Subject: New Phone Scam 809 Area Date: Mon, 2 Aug 1999 10:33:34 -0400 X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.71.1712.3 Subject: Do not call any "809" area codes.Beware of e-mails, phone calls or electronic pages which tell you to callan"809" area code phone number. This is a scam that is spreading extremely quickly, can easily cost you $100.00 or more and is difficult to avoid unless you are aware of it. This scam has been identified by the National Fraud Information Center, which said it is costing victims lots of money. There are lots of different versions of this scam, but here is how itworks:***First Step, Version#1: Internet-Based Phone Scam Via E-mail.*** You receive an e-mail, typically with a subject line of "ALERT" or "Unpaid Account." The message says something to the effect "I am writing to give you a final 24hrs to settle your outstanding account. If I have notreceivedthe settlement in full, I will commence legal proceedings without further delay. If you would like to discuss this matter to avoid court action,callMike Murray, Global Communications at (809) 496-2700." ***First Step, Version #2: Phone Or Pager Scam.*** You receive a message on your answering machine, voice mail, or your pager which asks you to call a number beginning with area code "809." The reason you're asked to call can vary: It can be to receive information about a family member who has been ill, to tell you someone has been arrested, has died, or to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc. The common denominator for both of these versions is the victim is instructed/asked to call the "809" number right away. Since there are so many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls. Second Step:Sometimes the person who answers the phone will speak brokenEnglish and pretend not to understand you. Other times, you'll just get a long recorded message.The point is, they will try to keep you on the phoneas long as possible to increase the charges. If you call from the United States, you will apparently be charged $25.00per-minute. They get the money. Your phone company will put it on yourregular bill and you have to pay it. You could be charged more than $100! Here's how itworks: The "809" area code is located in the British Virgin Islands (theBahamas).The "809" area code can be used as a "pay-per-call" number, similar to"900"numbers in the U.S. Since "809" is not in the United States, 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 withoutbeingcharged. Further, where many U.S. phones have "900" number blocking (to avoid these kinds of charges), "900" number blocking will not preventcallsto the "809" area code. It is recommended that no matter how you get the message, if you are askedtocall a number with an "809" area code that you don't recognize, investigate further and/or disregard the message. Be very wary of e-mailorcalls asking you to call an "809" area code number. It's important to avoid becoming a victim of this scam since trying tofightthe charges afterwards can become a real problem. That's because you did actually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier may not want to get involved and will mostlikelytell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreigncompany.The Tallahassee Police Department contacted the National Fraud Information Center and verified that this is a real scam and not just rumor or "urban legend." They also told us that area code "809" is not the only area code used in these types of scams. Those perpetuating this type of fraud mayuseany foreign area code not subject to FCC scrutiny. But for now, "809"appearsto be the most prevalent. You can contact the NFIC at (800) 876-7060 or contact them via e-mail at mailto:> >876-7060 or contact them via e-mail at mailto:fraudinfo () psinet com. Their Web site address is http://fraud.org/welcome.htmPLEASE FORWARD THIS "E-ALERT" TO ANYONE YOU KNOW. THE FACTS CONTAINED WITHIN ARE FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY.Dave:Or, call me at (809) 804-7644 (just kidding).Paul Julien
Current thread:
- IP: New Phone Scam 809 Area -- well new versio n of old idea Dave Farber (Aug 02)