Subject: DON'T DIAL AREA CODE   809  ,  284  AND  876

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> THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO US BY AT&T. DON'T DIAL AREA CODE   809

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> This one is being distributed all over the US . This is pretty scary, especially given the way they try to get you to call.

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> 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.

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> 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

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> WHY IT WORKS:

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> The 809  area code is located in the   Dominican Republic. They are not  regulated by the US laws.

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> The charges afterward 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.