Return Call Scam
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 originate in the British Virgin Islands.
The caller leaves a message on your answering machine, gives their first name and leaves a message such as “Sorry I missed your call. . . please call me back I have something important to tell you.” The reasons you are asked to call back vary and can include such things as a family member is ill, someone has been arrested, died or to let you know you have won a prize.
If you call the number back from the United States you will apparently be charged $2425 per minute. Why this can work is that the above area codes can be used as “Pay-per-call” numbers like 900 numbers and since this is in the British Virgin Islands it is not covered by US regulations which require consumers to be notified and warned of charges and rates. There is also no requirement that the company provide a time period during which you may terminate the call without any charges.
If this happens to you and you complain to your local phone company or long distance carrier they will most likely state they are only providing the billing for the foreign company. You may end up spending hours trying to resolve and deal with a foreign company that will argue they have done nothing wrong.
Additional Resources
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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. Ads may promise information and entertainment services ranging from psychic readings to chat lines to employment opportunities.
Federal Communications Commission
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has become aware of a long distance phone scam that may lead consumers to inadvertently incur high charges on their phone bills.
Symantec
Symantec is the global leader in information security providing a broad range of software, appliances and services designed to help individuals, small and mid-sized businesses and large enterprises secure and manage their IT infrastructure.
Snopes - 809 Area Codes Scam
Unsuspecting consumers are being tricked into returning phone calls to the Caribbean.
updated 03/10/08
