This is accurate. I checked it out on Snopes.com before forwarding.

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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This has been going on for years...good reminder.

Uh, you need to re-read the info on the snopes site. It goes on to say that not all numbers in the aforementioned area codes are scammer numbers...some are legit. It says very few have been scammed with this, and those that were lost very little money, not the thousands of dollars the email claims.
Here is the web address tto the snopes article: http://snopes.com/fraud/telephone/809.asp You need to scroll down. After the email example it goes on to explain the origins of the email. Also, here is a web address to an article provided by AT&T on the same subject. http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=6045 Just a head's up.

Jessie, give um a call and then post.

Geez, I didn't say to call them, you nitwit. I said that not all 809 area code numbers are a scam, and that the snopes site goes on to say so. It also says not to call a number you don't know.
Being such a jerk was so not necessary.

''

you are so correct latinab!

yes it is uncalled for. well eeverybody mostly gets along on this site. there are mean people on here but we have to ignore it if we can.

Sorry Jessie I meant to put lol on the end. Didnt mean to offend you. And dont worry to much about the name calling. I got called a whole lot worse that that today.

yay everybody getting along i have a big smile on!