The 809 area code scam is located in the Caribbean, yet most people are not aware that they are making a call OUTSIDE the U.S. because they simply dial 1-809-XXX-XXXX to make the call and there is no international access code required.
This occurs when you receive a message about winning a wonderful prize, getting a job or someone who has been arrested or dies through your e-mail, pager or phone. It requires you to immediately call or fax a number in the "809" area code or some other area code in the Caribbean. The problem comes from the fact that some phone numbers in the "809" area codes are pay-per-call numbers such as 900 numbers in the U.S.
To get more information about this scam
click here to go to the Better Business Bureau or
click here to National Fraud Information Center.
Avoiding this scam:
- You may want to verify the area code with your local phone carrier before placing the call if the area code seems suspicious.
- You may want to ask your local phone carrier to block all international calls from your line.
If you are a victim of this scam please
click here to file a complaint.