809,204 & 876 Area Code Scam Warning.

WARNING
Costly SCAM!!

NEW AREA CODE: READ AND PASS  ALONG
809 Area  Code
We  actually received a call last week from the  809 area code.

 The woman  said 'Hey, this is Karen.

 Sorry I  missed you- get back to us  quickly.

 I have  something important to tell  you.'

 Then she  repeated a phone number beginning with  809.

We did not  respond. Then this week, we received the  following e-mail:
Do  Not DIAL AREA  CODE 809,  284,

AND  876 from the U.S. or  Canada.

THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT  INFORMATION PROVIDED TO US BY AT&T. 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 and pass it  on.

They  get you to call by telling you that it is  information about a family member who has been  ill or to tell you someone has been arrested,  died, or to let you know you have won a  wonderful prize, etc..
In  each case, you are told to call the  809number right  away.

 Since  there are so many new area codes these  days,

people  unknowingly return these calls.
If you  call from the U.S. or  Canada,

you will  apparently be charged a minimum of
$2425  per-minute.

And  you'll also 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.
WHY IT WORKS:

The  809area code  is located in the Dominican Republic .
The  charges afterward can become a real  nightmare.  That's  because you did actually make the  call.  If you  complain, both your local phone company and your  long distance carrier will not want to get  involved and will most likely tell you that they  are simply providing the billing for the foreign  company.  You'll end  up dealing with a foreign   company  that argues they have done nothing  wrong.

Please forward this entire message  to your friends, family and colleagues to help  them become aware of this scam.

AT&T  VERIFIES IT'S TRUE : http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=6045

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=6045
SNOPES  VERIFIES IT'S TRUE: