809 is the regular country code for the  British Virgin Islands..I call it
often  it is NOt $2425--- or anything remotly near that...last call was 28
minutes & cost me alittle over 15.00  & it was during the day......don't get
too carried away! There may be a particular number that charges you a
special fee...but I have many friends in the Islands...used to have a house
in St. John before kids......Joy

> From: Yvonne Craig <[log in to unmask]>

> This is direct from our Information Services department where I work. It =
> is not a hoax or an urban legend. Just wanted to let you know.
>
> Yvonne
> ***************************************************************************=
> ******************************************************
> Beware of Telecommunications Scam (809 Area Code)=20
>
> We have just received this message from Bell Nexxia. Do not dial area code
> 809. =20
> Be sure to read this message.=20
> =20
> You will receive a message on your answering machine or your pager, which
> asks you to call a number beginning with area code 809.  The reason you're
> asked to call varies it can be to receive information about a family =
> member
> who has been ill, to tell you someone has been arrested, died, to let you
> know you have won a wonderful prize, etc. =20
>
> 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 US, 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.
> Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you'll often be charged more
> than $24,100.=20
>
> This scam has also been identified by the National Fraud Information =
> Center
> and is costing victims a lot of money.=20
>
> WHY IT WORKS:=20
>
> The 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands (the Bahamas) =
> and
> can be used as a "pay-per-call" number, similar to 900 numbers in Canada =
> and
> the US.=20
>
> Since 809 is not in the U.S., it is not covered by U.S. regulations of 900
> numbers, which require that you be notified and warned of charges and =
> rates
> involved when you call a "pay-per-call" number. There is also no
> requirement that the company provide a time period during which you may
> terminate the call without being charged. Further, whereas many U.S. =
> phones
> have 900 number blocking to avoid these kinds of charges, 900 number
> blocking will not prevent calls to the 809 area code.=20
>
> We recommend that no matter how you get the message, if you are asked to
> call a number with an 809 area code that you do not recognize, you
> investigate further and/or disregard the message.  Be wary of email or =
> calls
> asking you to call an 809 area code number.=20
>
> It is important to prevent becoming a victim of this scam, since trying to
> fight the charges afterwards can become a real nightmare. That's because =
> you
> did actually make the call.  If you complain, both our 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 will end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they
> have done nothing wrong.=20
>