My understanding is that it is a particular number charging the fee. However, most of us wouldn't normally call that area code. It is because the call originates from the islands that they can defraud others and get away with it. Just wanted to give folks a heads up. Our hospital took this seriously enough to block all incoming calls from that area code from our internal telephone system. They sent the warning to employees to protect themselves at home. I don't think the post meant to imply that all calls from this area code are fraudulent. 

Yvonne

>>> [log in to unmask] 11/10/00 05:32PM >>>
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
>