本文发表在 rolia.net 枫下论坛NEW WESTMINSTER POLICE SERVICE
W.L. (LORNE) ZAPOTICHNY
File:
M/F: 03-04
CHIEF CONSTABLE’S OFFICE
555 Columbia Street
New Westminster, B.C. V3L 1B2
N E W S R E L E A S E
DATE OF RELEASE: 9 January 2003
CAPTION: WARNING – DON’T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809 -
WARNING TO ALL TELEPHONE USERS – DON’T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809.
The “Dial 809” scam appears to be back once again. This can be very costly to those who do so.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
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. In each case, you are told to call the 809 number right away. Since there are so many area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls.
If you call from the US or Canada, 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 $2425.00.
WHY IT WORKS:
The 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands Bahamas. The 809 area code can be used as a “pay-per-call” number, similar to 900 numbers in the US and Canada.
Since 809 is not in the US, it is not covered by US 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, where many US and Canadian homes have 900 number blocking to avoid these kind of charges, this block does not work in preventing calls to the 809 area code.
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 just disregard the message. Be wary of email or calls asking you to call an 809 area code number. It’s 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 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 alert your family, friends and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam.
A good idea is to tape a large note close to your phone
DO NOT DIAL AREA CODE 809
CONTACT PERSON:
S/Sgt. Casey Dehaas
Media Relations Officer
PHONE:
529-2498
328-5381更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net
W.L. (LORNE) ZAPOTICHNY
File:
M/F: 03-04
CHIEF CONSTABLE’S OFFICE
555 Columbia Street
New Westminster, B.C. V3L 1B2
N E W S R E L E A S E
DATE OF RELEASE: 9 January 2003
CAPTION: WARNING – DON’T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809 -
WARNING TO ALL TELEPHONE USERS – DON’T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809.
The “Dial 809” scam appears to be back once again. This can be very costly to those who do so.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
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. In each case, you are told to call the 809 number right away. Since there are so many area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls.
If you call from the US or Canada, 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 $2425.00.
WHY IT WORKS:
The 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands Bahamas. The 809 area code can be used as a “pay-per-call” number, similar to 900 numbers in the US and Canada.
Since 809 is not in the US, it is not covered by US 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, where many US and Canadian homes have 900 number blocking to avoid these kind of charges, this block does not work in preventing calls to the 809 area code.
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 just disregard the message. Be wary of email or calls asking you to call an 809 area code number. It’s 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 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 alert your family, friends and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam.
A good idea is to tape a large note close to your phone
DO NOT DIAL AREA CODE 809
CONTACT PERSON:
S/Sgt. Casey Dehaas
Media Relations Officer
PHONE:
529-2498
328-5381更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net