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: 

Do Not DIAL AREA CODE 809, 284, AND 876 

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

WHY IT WORKS:

The 809 area code is located in the Dominican Republic. 

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. 

Please forward this entire message to your friends, family and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam.

AT&T VERIFIES IT'S TRUE :

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=6045 

SNOPES VERIFIES IT'S TRUE: 
http://www.snopescom/fraud/telephone/809.asp