Area Code 809 Hoax
Type: Scams and Shams
Description:
This email, which is made to appear to have been sent out by AT&T, purports that a scam is being perpetrated by certain phone companies through the long distance code 809. It alleges that dialing this long distance number can leave callers with unexpectedly huge bills. It explains that the code dials to the Bahamas and does not operate under US regulations.
The code 809, which allegedly dials to the British Virgin Islands, actually belongs to the Dominican Republic.
While AT&T denies ever sending out this email, the scam it describes is apparently true, leading AT&T to issue the following statement regarding the 809 Area Code Urban Legend.
If you receive such an email, keep in mind that while the modus operandi described does indeed take place, you should also be aware of the following:
Not all phone numbers with 809 in the area code is part of this scam; most 809 numbers are legitimate, ordinary numbers.
This scam has been used with area codes aside from 809.
It is not, in fact, $2400 per minute; the figures involved with this scam have been greatly exaggerated over the years.
The average US consumer is unlikely to encounter the scam itself.
Type: Scams and Shams
Description:
This email, which is made to appear to have been sent out by AT&T, purports that a scam is being perpetrated by certain phone companies through the long distance code 809. It alleges that dialing this long distance number can leave callers with unexpectedly huge bills. It explains that the code dials to the Bahamas and does not operate under US regulations.
The code 809, which allegedly dials to the British Virgin Islands, actually belongs to the Dominican Republic.
While AT&T denies ever sending out this email, the scam it describes is apparently true, leading AT&T to issue the following statement regarding the 809 Area Code Urban Legend.
If you receive such an email, keep in mind that while the modus operandi described does indeed take place, you should also be aware of the following:
Not all phone numbers with 809 in the area code is part of this scam; most 809 numbers are legitimate, ordinary numbers.
This scam has been used with area codes aside from 809.
It is not, in fact, $2400 per minute; the figures involved with this scam have been greatly exaggerated over the years.
The average US consumer is unlikely to encounter the scam itself.
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