IMPORTANT NOTICE

DO NOT respond to e-mails, phone calls, or web pages which tell you to call an  “809” phone number.  There are many different permutations of the scam, but here’s how it works:

You will receive a message on your answering machine, voice mail or your pager, which asks you to call a number beginning with area code 809.  The reason you’re asked to call varies – it can be to receive information about a family member who has been ill, to tell you someone has been arrested, died, to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc.  In every case, you are told to call the 809 number right away.  Since there are so many new area codes, people, unknowingly, return these calls.  If you call from the U.S., you will apparently be charged $2,425 per minute or, you’ll get a long recorded message.  The caller 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.

The scam works because the 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands (the Bahamas).  The 809 area code can be used as a pay-per-call number similar to 900 numbers in the U.S.  Since 809 is not in the U.S., however, it is not covered by U.S. regulations for 900 numbers.  These regulations require that you be notified and warned of charges and rates involved when you place a pay-per-call number.

There is also no requirement that the company provide a time period during which you may terminate the call without being charged.  Further, whereas many U.S. phones have 900 number blocking to avoid these kind of charges, 900 number blocking will not prevent calls to the 809 area code.

It is recommended that no matter how you get the message, please DO NOT call the number with an 809 area code and investigate further.  Just disregard the message!  Also, be wary of e-mail messages asking you to call an 809 area code number.

It is important to prevent becoming a victim of this scam, since trying to fight the charges afterwards can become a real nightmare (since 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 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.