SCAM! Take Note & Pass Along . . . 

VERY COSTLY NEW AREA CODE: READ AND PASS ALONG

0809 Area Code  We actually received a call lasts week from the0809 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 0809. We  did not respond, this week, we received the  following e-mail:
Do Not DIAL  AREA CODE 0809,0284, & 0876 from the UK .  

This one is being distributed all over the UK . . . 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 0809 number right away. Since there are so many new area codes  these days, people unknowingly return these calls.

If you call from the UK you will apparently be charged a minimum of £1500 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 0809 area code is located in the Dominican Republic . . .
The charges afterwards  can become a real nightmare. That’s because you did  actually DID 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.

Pam Hughes
P.V. 60163
Forum Secretary – Teignbridge Neighbourhood Watch
Teignmouth Police Office
Exeter Road
Teignmouth, Devon
TQ14 9FN
e-mail: watchofficeteignbridge@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk
Tel: 01626 326604
Office opening hours: 9.00a.m./2.00 p.m. Thursdays only.