The scammers always amaze me at how clever they can be at separating normal, honest people from their money. Who would have thought that simply calling a simple phone number could cost a hundred dollars or more in fraudulent phone charges?This scam works this way. You receive an email, letter, or some other communication which seeks to convince you to call a number in
809 area code. The message is always urgent (that's a common theme of virtually all scams - they have to happen NOW) and appears important or critical.
You may receive a spam email which says something like, "You have 24 hours to settle your outstanding debt before it is sent to collections. Call me now at 809-xxx-xxxx to preserve your credit." Call number and you will be billed as much as $25 per minute!
Some people receive a postcard which states, "You have won! Call 809-xxx-xxxx to get your prize." Call number and you will get your prize all right - a $150 charge on your phone bill!
I've heard of someone that received an ICQ message saying their relative was in hospital with a terminal illness. The poor person called "809" number only to be put on hold for a very long time - over an hour, then get hung up. He called over and over, frantic and distraught - and got a phone bill of over a thousand dollars!
A very clever variant to this scam is a company that receives a FAX or phone call requesting of all things a fax. Of course, fax number is in 809 area code. The company will fax some information back, and get charged over a hundred dollars for privilege!
