809 Phone Scam – Beware

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has become aware of a long distance phone scam that may lead consumers to inadvertently ring up high charges on their phone bills.

Below is how the Phone Scam Works:

• You get a message telling you to call a phone number with an 809 (or some other three-digit) area code to collect a prize which you have won, find out about a sick relative, engage in sex talk, etc.

• You call this number assuming you are making a regular long distance call

• When you dial the "809" area code, you’re actually connected to a phone number outside the United States.

• When you receive your phone bill is when you realize that you have made international calls and the rates are extraordinarily high.