NEVER dial an 809 area code number

[YoFuggedaboutit]

Speaking of scams like the one Jtex seems to be involved in, I would like to point out another one that can leave you light in the wallet.  Calling a number with an 809 area code.  Sometimes you'll get a message on your phone that tells you to do this.  When you call the number, there may be a recorded message saying you have won a wonderful prize, someone has been arrested, etc.......  The purpose is to keep you on the phone for as long as possible.  Here's why:

The 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands.  What they will do is get you to call their number, keep you on the phone for as long as possible, then charge you somewhere in the neighborhood of $1500 per minute.  Because 809 numbers are outside of the US, they are not subject to the regulations that 900 numbers are.  Some of these regulations are that the charges must be clearly stated and you must be given an opportunity to terminate the call before being charged. 

Trying to fight the charges afterwards can be a real hassle.  That's because you actually did make the call.  If you complain, your local and long distance telephone provider will not want to get involved.  They will say they are just providing billing for a foreign company.  You will then end up dealing with a foreign company that will claim they have done nothing wrong. 

[Brian Fein]

what if my cell phone has free long distance?

[YoFuggedaboutit]

what if my cell phone has free long distance?

I don't think it includes international dialing. 

[Dave Gray]

http://www.snopes.com/fraud/telephone/809.asp

This is true, except the cost is greatly exaggerated.  You're looking to lose from $25 to $100 total, but this is a rare scam.

[run_to_win]

There SHOULD be a dedicated covert Special Ops task force for dirt bags like this - for all scammers and hackers, both foreign and domestic. 

[bsfins]

How much of an idiot do you have to be to call a number that some recording left on your answering machine? If I've really won a prize or whatever...I'm waiting for a REAL person to call me,or a certified letter.

Maybe you'll fall for a nigerian prince that needs you to cash his $10,000 Check for him....

[run_to_win]

How much of an idiot do you have to be to call a number that some recording left on your answering machine? If I've really won a prize or whatever...I'm waiting for a REAL person to call me,or a certified letter.

Maybe you'll fall for a nigerian prince that needs you to cash his $10,000 Check for him....

Just because someone is naive doesn't make it right to victimize him.  You of all people should appreciate this! 

[bsfins]