Area Code Phone Scam

[Meeshell]

Not sure how valid this is or where things are happening but I figured I'd post this just in case (I normally don't do **** like this though)

Got an e-mail and confirmed the area codes they reported myself on 411.com. AT&T also has a press release about the same thing:

809 AREA CODE----Important

Do Not dial the following area codes unless you're purposefully calling someone from the listed locations:
809 (Caribbean Islands), 284 (British Virgin Islands), AND 876 (Jamaica)

Apparently, people receive phone calls from the above area codes. If you don't answer they leave a message to try to get you to call them back. One example that was provided in the e-mail I got said "The woman said 'Hey, this is Karen . Sorry I missed you--get back to us quickly. I have something important to tell you'."

Additionally, they may try telling you 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.

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

[c0nfl1kt]

That's nuts. Thanks for the heads up.