Florida Consumer E-Newsletter - April 2007
Download PDF version [635K PDF]
A Message From the Commissioner...
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Dear Friends: A telephone scam that has been around for many years has appeared again. This scam involves returning calls to the 809, 284 and 876 area codes that would appear to be a standard domestic long distance call. However, calling those numbers can result in a hefty phone bill if you call such an international telephone number. That's because each country sets its own telephone rates and there's no limit to the per-minute charge. The companies urging you to call have an incentive to keep you on the |
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line as long as possible because they receive a portion of the international long distance charge. The more often you call —and the longer you stay on the line — the more money they make. Remember, we're here for you. Our consumer hotline, calling within Florida 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352), outside of Florida 850-488-2221 or en Español 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832), will answer any consumer related questions you may have or direct you to the most appropriate resource for assistance. You can also visit us online for additional consumer information. Remember... consumer education is the best defense against fraud and deception. Sincerely, |
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International Phone Scam
Be cautious when calling an unfamiliar telephone number — it could be a costly international telephone call. Consumers nationwide are being lured into calling international telephone numbers through advertisements and other promotions for interesting or important information. Ads may promise information and entertainment services ranging from psychic readings to chat lines to employment opportunities. You may be unaware that some of these numbers are actually costly international "pay-per-call" numbers, where a portion of your international long distance charge goes to pay for the information or entertainment you receive over the phone.
How it works
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You get a message, either on your phone or through your email) telling you to call a phone number with an “809”, “284”, “876” (or some other three-digit area code) number to collect a prize, find out about a sick relative or about an appointment that you supposedly missed.
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You assume you are making a domestic long distance call when you return the message. When dialing “809”, “284”, “876” (and other three-digit area codes involved in this scam), at first appear to be typical three-digit U.S. area codes however, you’re actually connected to a phone number outside the United States (often in Canada or the Caribbean) and charged international call rates. In this case, “809” goes to the Dominican Republic, “284” goes to the British Virgin Islands, and “876” goes to Jamaica.
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You usually don’t find out about the higher international call rates until you receive your phone bill and by then, it’s sometimes too late.
Keep Yourself Protected
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Be skeptical about area codes you don't recognize, especially: 809 (Dominican Republic); 758 (St. Lucia); or 664 (Montserrat). There are dozens of other area codes (most in the Caribbean) which connect callers to an international telephone call. Check your telephone directory or call the operator to determine if the area code is for a domestic or international location before calling.
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Be wary of ads for information or entertainment services which make such claims as "not a 900 number," "no premiums apply," or "Long Distance rates apply." The advertisers of these services would like consumers to believe that these pay-per-call services are not as costly as 900 number services when, in fact, they may be even more expensive.
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Tell family members they need your permission to call domestic or international long distance services. For example, children should be cautious of telephone numbers outside your immediate area code and numbers with more than 10 digits.
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Promptly check your phone bill for long distance charges you don't recognize. If your bill contains an unauthorized call, contact your local telephone company as well as your long distance carrier. The telephone company may provide a credit or refund, but they are not required to do so. However, your notification will help the telephone companies identify telephone numbers which are the source of abuses.
For more consumer information, or help finding the right resource for assistance, give us a call today at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) calling within Florida, 850-488-2221 outside of Florida, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832) en Español, and a consumer specialist will be happy to assist you.
Additional Resources
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The links below are for your information only. The goal of the Division of Consumer Services is to provide additional information to consumers. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does not review or confirm these sites for accuracy.
National Fraud Information Center
There are many different kinds of scams that involve telephone services.
Here are a fewto watch out for.
Federal Trade Commission
Be cautious when calling an unfamiliar telephone number — it could be a costly international telephone call. Consumers nationwide are being lured into calling international telephone numbers through advertisements and other promotions for interesting or important information.
