IP: New Phone Scam 809 Area -- well new versio n of old idea

[Dave Farber <farber () cis upenn edu>]

> From: "PAUL JULIEN" <p.julien () worldnet att net>
> To: <farber () cis upenn edu>
> Subject: New Phone Scam 809 Area
> Date: Mon, 2 Aug 1999 10:33:34 -0400
> X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.71.1712.3
>
> Subject: Do not call any "809" area codes.
> > Beware of e-mails, phone calls or electronic pages which tell you to call
> an
> > "809" area code phone number. This is a scam that is spreading extremely
> > quickly, can easily cost you $100.00 or more and is difficult to avoid
> > unless you are aware of it. This scam has been identified by the National
> > Fraud Information Center, which said it is costing victims lots of money.
> > There are lots of different versions of this scam, but here is how it
> works:
> > ***First Step, Version#1: Internet-Based Phone Scam Via E-mail.***
> >
> > You receive an e-mail, typically with a subject line of "ALERT" or "Unpaid
> > Account." The message says something to the effect "I am writing to give
> > you a final 24hrs to settle your outstanding account. If I have not
> received
> > the settlement in full, I will commence legal proceedings without further
> > delay. If you would like to discuss this matter to avoid court action,
> call
> > Mike Murray, Global Communications at (809) 496-2700."
> >
> > ***First Step, Version #2: Phone Or Pager Scam.***
> >
> > You 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 can vary: It can be to receive information about a
> > family member who has been ill, to tell you someone has been arrested, has
> > died, or to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc.
> >
> > The common denominator for both of these versions is the victim is
> > instructed/asked to call the "809" number right away. Since there are so
> > many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls.
> >
> > Second Step:
>
> Sometimes the person who answers the phone will speak broken
> > English and pretend not to understand you. Other times, you'll just 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.
>
> If you call from the United States, you will apparently be charged $25.00
> > per-minute. They get the money.  Your phone company will put it on your
> regular bill and you have to pay it.
> You could be charged more than $100!
>
> Here's how it
> > works:
> >
> > 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 United States, it is not
> > covered by U.S. regulations of "900" numbers, which require that you be
> > notified and warned of charges and rates involved when you call 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, where many U.S. phones have "900" number blocking (to
> > avoid these kinds 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, if you are asked
> to
> > call a number with an "809" area code that you don't recognize,
> > investigate further and/or disregard the message. Be very wary of e-mail
> or
> > calls asking you to call an "809" area code number.
> >
> > It's important to avoid becoming a victim of this scam since trying to
> fight
> > the charges afterwards can become a real problem. That's because you did
> > actually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone company and
> > your long distance carrier may not want to get involved and will most
> likely
> > tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign
> company.
> > The Tallahassee Police Department contacted the National Fraud Information
> > Center and verified that this is a real scam and not just rumor or "urban
> > legend." They also told us that area code "809" is not the only area code
> > used in these types of scams. Those perpetuating this type of fraud may
> use
> > any foreign area code not subject to FCC scrutiny. But for now, "809"
> appears
> > to be the most prevalent. You can contact the NFIC at (800)
> > 876-7060 or contact them via e-mail at mailto:> >876-7060 or contact them via e-mail at mailto:fraudinfo () psinet 
> > com. Their
> > Web site address is http://fraud.org/welcome.htm
> > >
> > PLEASE FORWARD THIS "E-ALERT" TO ANYONE YOU KNOW.   THE FACTS CONTAINED
> > WITHIN ARE FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY.
>
>
>
> Dave:
> > Or, call me at (809) 804-7644  (just kidding).
> Paul Julien