Area Code Scam Alert
There are three area codes that if you call any number in that code area, you will get charged large sums of money on you phone bill. So far the we have seen $70.00 charges for just few seconds of phone time.
The scam starts when a caller leaves a message that you have won a prize and to call the number for more information. When you call the area code the person stalls you as long as they can which causes the cost to rise.
This scam has been around for a while and there have been reports of phone bills up to $1200.00 for one call. In the past the caller would claim that one of your relatives is injured and needs help. They ask you to call the number. When you call you are again stalled as long as they can and put you on hold for an extended period of time while they “transfer” the call to your relative.
So far there are three area codes to watch out for. They are 809, 876 and 284. The area codes are out of Jamaica and seem to be set up just for the purpose of the scam. They use collection agencies in the US to collect on the bill and they will affect your credit if the bill is not paid.