Eileen Reece's article was called to my attention by Bob Dunphy who posted the link to hoaxslayer. Initially, when this announcement was made, I posted the link to snopes.
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Middleboro selectmen issue phone scam warning
By Eileen Reece
Sat Jan 19, 2008, 09:48 PM EST
Middleborough -
Middleborough - Selectmen this week issued a warning about a telephone scam that could cost users an exorbitant amount per minute. IT Director Roger Brunelle said his office received a voice mail message two weeks ago from a woman who stated, “Hey, this is Karen. Sorry I missed you — get back to us quickly. I have something important to tell you.” She then repeated a phone number beginning with 809. They did not respond. The following week, the town received an e-mail from Sandi Van Handel, an AT&T service manager, warning, “Don’t ever dial area code 809, 284 and 876.” According to Handel, the call is a scam in which the individual who returns the call may receive a long, recorded message so they will remain on the phone for an extended period of time. “Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you’ll often be charged more than $24,100,’’ said Handel. The scam may also include a message that a family member has become ill, died or arrested or a prize has been won. “If you call from the U.S., you will apparently be charged $2,425 per minute,” Handel noted. The 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, she noted. “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,” said Handel.
By Eileen Reece
Sat Jan 19, 2008, 09:48 PM EST
Middleborough -
Middleborough - Selectmen this week issued a warning about a telephone scam that could cost users an exorbitant amount per minute. IT Director Roger Brunelle said his office received a voice mail message two weeks ago from a woman who stated, “Hey, this is Karen. Sorry I missed you — get back to us quickly. I have something important to tell you.” She then repeated a phone number beginning with 809. They did not respond. The following week, the town received an e-mail from Sandi Van Handel, an AT&T service manager, warning, “Don’t ever dial area code 809, 284 and 876.” According to Handel, the call is a scam in which the individual who returns the call may receive a long, recorded message so they will remain on the phone for an extended period of time. “Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you’ll often be charged more than $24,100,’’ said Handel. The scam may also include a message that a family member has become ill, died or arrested or a prize has been won. “If you call from the U.S., you will apparently be charged $2,425 per minute,” Handel noted. The 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands, The Bahamas, she noted. “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,” said Handel.
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Status: International call scams are real.
However, the information about these scams in the message is inaccurate and misleading.Example: (Submitted June 2006)
Subject: Fw: IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT AREA CODES IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT AREA CODE
Subject: Fw: IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT AREA CODES IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT AREA CODE
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 $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 $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
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