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Off Topic Scam Alert (Page 2) UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone!
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This topic is 2 pages long: 1 2 This topic was originally posted in this forum: Tires, Rims Discusssion |
Author | Topic: Scam Alert |
sam771 unregistered Posts: 782 |
posted 05-01-2003 11:18 PM
I did not know every one see these messages, if you don't plese read it might be helpful. Subject: 809 Area Code We actually received a call last week from the 809 area code. 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. 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 to all your friends and family so they don't get scammed! MAJOR SCAM: This is a very important issue of Scam Busters because it alerts you to a scam that is spreading *extremely* quickly, can easily cost you $2400 or more, and is difficult to avoid unless you are aware of it. We'd like to thank Verizon for bringing this scam to our attention. There are lots of different permutations of this scam. HERE'S HOW IT WORKS: You will receive a message on your answering machine 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 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. WHY IT WORKS: There is also no requirement that the company provide a time period during which you may terminate the call without being charged. Further, where as many U.S. homes that have 900 number blocking to avoid these kinds of charges, do not work in preventing calls to the 809 area code. We recommend that no matter how you get the message, if you are asked to call a number with an 809 area code that you don't recognize, just disregard the message. Be wary of e-mail, or calls, asking you to call an 809 area code number. It's important to prevent becoming a victim of this scam, since trying to fight 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 |
CJ Prowler Junkie Posts: 18860 |
posted 05-01-2003 11:43 PM
Yikes!! |
KenG Prowler Junkie Posts: 641 |
posted 05-02-2003 07:42 AM
A perfect example of how things get blown out of porportion and stories get stretched. http://www.scambusters.org/809Scam.html |
Kraut Prowler Junkie Posts: 1300 |
posted 05-02-2003 08:16 AM
Simple .............. just hit the delete key, if you don't recognize the name. |
YellowFever unregistered Posts: 1300 |
posted 05-02-2003 04:33 PM
Unless you've been in a coma for weeks, if anyone calls or emails to tell you to call long distance to find out if: 1)a family member who has been ill, 2)to tell you someone has been arrested, 3)died 4)that you won a prize You should know it's a scam. I can't imagine anyones relative calling to say someone died, please call this number to find out who. Or call this number to find out who's been arrested. If it were a real prize, you wouldn't have to call a long distance number. I also think by law, unless I'm mistaken, that if there are huge 900 number charges, they have to disclose them up front. That is a good link to this! |
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