This one is being distributed all over the US. This is pretty scary,
especially given the way they try to get you to call.
HOW IT WORKS:
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 U.S. , 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.
WHY IT WORKS:
The 809 area code is located in the Dominican Republic .
The charges afterward 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.
AT&T VERIFIES IT'S TRUE:
http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=6045
SNOPES VERIFIES IT'S TRUE:
http://www.snopes.com/fraud/telephone/809.asp
1 comment:
Yes, this hoax is being distributed all over the US. But that's all it really is; a hoax. These calls really cost about $.25/minute, about what people expect to pay.
See http://www.wherecall.com/809.htm for details.
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