It’s News Day Tuesday, so here’s another in the series of WWE edumacation. This one’s on Area Code (dialing) safety. Yeah, I know, I know… these aren’t so popular in the comments department, but as long as I can help a handful of you peeps out with some of these, I’m satisfied.
Do Not 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 U.S. 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 U.S., 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.
WHY IT WORKS:
The 809 area code is located in the Dominican Republic. 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.
Please forward this entire message to your friends, family and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam.
AT&T VERIFIES IT’S TRUE:
http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=6045
SNOPES VERIFIES IT’S TRUE:
http://www.snopescom/fraud/telephone/809.asp
Talk to me!
* Sneaky yeah?
* How about unc uji UNC Tarheels yesterday? Pretty dominating eh?
* Surprised that some guy named Jordan was elected into the hoops Hall of fame? 😛
* And how about that Cutler to Chicago trade a few days ago? Woah!
* Chris Brown entered a “not guilty” plea. Whatchu tink?
* Dish on The Hills? Nah, I nevah saw um. Probably might have to with wifey tomorrow though. Hehe!
* The big winners at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday were Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Sugarland and Rascal Flatts. What’s new eh? Any country music fans out thurr?
* American Idol predictions for tonight? Who’s gone-doze?
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World Wide Ed 
April 8, 2009 at 9:14 am |
The information is true, but the numbers are off (it’s typically about 25 cents a minute; you never pay more than the normal international rate for the country you are calling).
There is no need to ‘never call the Dominican Republic’; you can call anyone anywhere safely. Just check the rates with your phone company. Or, you can quickly see where the phone number is located with a site like WhereCall.com. Or, you can enter the full phone number (in the 809-555-1212 format) into your favorite search engine.
-Scott