What’s Really Happening:
The 809, 284, 649, or 876 area codes are actually for international calls. (809 is the area code for the Dominican Republic). Sometimes calls between neighboring countries do not require the usual “011” international prefix; for instance, calls between the U.S. and Canada, or calls from the U.S. to the Caribbean. Callers may not realize they are dialing an international phone number.
Operating outside the US provides scammers with many of benefits. For example, scammers don’t have to inform callers in advance of any special rates or fees. This means that when consumers think they are dialing a normal domestic number, they may actually be calling the international version of a 1-900 number. Other times, scammers use these numbers to pretend they are based in the U.S., lending credibility to their claims.
If you call a 809, 284, 649, or 876 phone number, you will be charged for an international call and potentially extra fees. However, you will not automatically wrack up thousands of dollars in charges.
How to Protect Yourself Against This Scam:
- Only return calls to familiar numbers. As a general rule, only call familiar area codes or do a quick Google search before placing a call.
- Read your telephone bill carefully. Make sure that you have authorized all additional fees on your bill.
- Like with any other phone scam, the best way to protect yourself is to just hang up.
- If you believe that you have been scammed:
- Contact the carrier with whom the charge originated. The name of the carrier and the telephone number should be printed on your bill. Often, the problem can be resolved with a single phone call.
- If the carrier with whom the charge originated does not agree to resolve the problem, contact your carrier. They should work with you to help remove fraudulent charges.