Courtesy Of

This is true.  Check it out at http://www.snopes.com/fraud/telephone/809.asp 

ABOUT AREA CODES 809, 284 & 876

We actually received a call last week from the 809 area code.  The woman said 'Hey, this is Karen. Sorry I missed you--get back to us quickly. I Have something important to tell you.' Then she repeated a phone number beginning with 809. 'We didn’t respond.'

Then this week, we received the following  e-mail:

Subject: DO NOT EVER DIAL AREA CODE  809 , 284 AND 876

THIS IS VERY  IMPORTANT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO US BY AT&T. DON'T EVER DIAL AREA  COD E 809

This one is being distributed all over the  US . This is pretty scary, especially given the way they try to get you to call.
Be sure you read this and pass it on.
They get you to call by telling you that it is information about a family member who has been ill or to tell you someone has-been arrested, died, or 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 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, 100.00.

WHY IT WORKS:  

The  809  area code is located in the British Virgin Islands (The Bahamas).  
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 forward this entire message to your friends, family and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam

Sandi Van Handel
AT&T Field Service Manager
(920)687-904  

Additional information on these area codes can be found from ATT a

Click link below or Copy & Paste in your address window and visit to read more.

http://www.consumer.att.com/consumertips/areacode.html