Re: Scam stuff - hoax - sort of

[Bruce Busby <bbusby@gene.com>]

With all respect to Bill, this warning message is a really an internet hoax,
based on a real scam. The hoax part is that there are errors in the message.
Scam Busters denies sending this message out (see web site below), and
suggest it not be forwarded.

Granted, some 809 area code numbers can have "pay for use charge", as can
other area codes... but the max would be about $25 per minute, not $2400.
Not all 809 calls are scam related, being that is the area code for the
Dominican Republic. To get the whole scoop on this, please read:

http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/HBScams.shtml#809
http://www.scambusters.org/809Scam.html
http://www.bbb.org/alerts/areacode.asp
http://newscenter.verizon.com/kit/servicestandard/scams.vtml?

Basically, you should not call anyone you do not know, period. If someone is
paging you, it is probably someone you know or at least you should know
where the page is from. If its important, they will call back! And do not
call phone numbers for "free stuff" or enter contests. Nothing is free,
except advise and you get what you pay for.

Bruce


> Warning - 809 Area Code Trick Can Be Extremely Costly
> DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809. 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 & pass it on to all your friends and family so
>
> they don't get scammed!
>
> MAJOR SCAM:
>
> Don't respond to Emails, phone calls, or web pages which tell you to
> call an "809" Phone Number. 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 $24100 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. This
> scam has also been identified by the National Fraud InformationCenter
> and is costing victims a lot of money.  There are lots of different
> permutations of this scam, but 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. 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. Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you'll often be
> charged
> more than $24100.00.

--

Bruce Busby
RSO, Genentech
MS 71
1 DNA Way
South San Francisco, CA
94080-4990
Phone: 650-225-2959


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