STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

received this email from a friend, thought I'd share:


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 didn't respond. Then this week, we received the following e-mail:

> Do Not DIAL AREA CODE
> 809, 284, AND 876
>
> 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
> 809 number right away... Since there are so many new area codes these
> days, people unknowingly return these calls.
>
>
> If you call from the U.S. , 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..
> WHY IT WORKS:
>
> The 809 area 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
> SNOPES VERIFIES IT'S TRUE:  
> http://www.snopescom/fraud/telephone/809.asp