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
>