Phone Scams – The "809" Scam
Telemarketing and phone
scams have been around as long as there’s been a telephone. But with the
advent of all the new area codes being created due to cell phone usage, phone
scam artists are finding it easier to take advantage of the unsuspecting
public.
I was always taught to
treat others as I would have them treat me. And I have always pretty much
lived my life that way. That’s why I am so amazed at the things people will do
to cheat others out of their hard earned money. It is especially hard to
understand how someone can cheat seniors out of their savings, but it does
happen. So beware!
One
of the latest phone scams to come along involves people who leave a phone
number on an answering machine saying that the individual owes a certain
amount of money, threatening legal action and requesting that the party return
the call – then they leave an 809 prefix number. Most seniors are extremely
conscientious about paying their debts so they will return the call. And
they are the one’s who can least afford to lose.
Another variation of the same is to say it is regarding a family
member or they have won a large cash prize and need to verify certain things.
They invariably leave an “809” return number. Most people, especially seniors,
will not question the area code. But if this happens to you or someone you
love it will make you’re blood boil to think of them being taken advantage of.
The
“809” area code just happens to be in the British Virgin Islands and can cost
$25 per minute (You heard right – $25 DOLLARS per minute!). These are the
equivalent of our 900 numbers (meaning they are pay-per-call numbers). The
person answering these calls will try to keep the caller on the phone as long
as possible to get the charges as high as possible. Unfortunately the 809 area
code is not subject to U.S. law.
This article really has nothing to do
with bad credit, but we like to keep people informed of scams of all types,
even phone scams that have nothing to do with credit, that are going around.
We feel it’s our duty as Christian Americans to help keep each other safe and
well.
Bottom line – DO NOT respond to requests to any phone
number that has an “809” area code.
Ref: About.com
