Alert (Scam)
Cyndi Castro (ccastro@UTEP.EDU)
Tue, 19 Nov 1996 08:01:51 -0700
Awhile back someone sent the first alert message to the list. I sent it on
to the security people here at work and they checked it out and found the
warning accurate and timely. They have added other area codes to be wary of.
So I thought I would pass the information along to the list. Again, thanks
for the initial warning.
YiS,
Cyndi Castro
Yucca Council
El Paso, Tx
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*****Second Notice*****
This notice was sent out on October 9, 1996 and the following area
codes should be added to the "809" area code listed in this bulletin,
please share this information with those who do not have access to
email.
242, 246, 264, 268, 284, 345, 441, 473, 664, 758, 767, 784, 868, 869
All of these are Caribbean area codes and double as an out-of-country
pay-per-call number. The callback messages generally relate to
financial, legal or family matters.
The following information was received from Arizona State University:
NOTICE: 809 DEBT COLLECTION NOTICES (SCAM)
A report of suspicious emails was received. Every case has been the
same. A letter informs a person that they have a past-due account and
need to call a "809" area code phone number to settle the matter
before it goes to collection. Recipients of the letter not only have
never done business with the company, but have never heard of the
company before.
If a person calls the number they get a long recorded message which
never allows them to speak with a person, it does keep them on the line
for an extended period of time. What many people do not realize is that
calling this "809" number is like calling a pay-per-call line.
"809" calls are international long-distance calls to the Caribbean.
The money collected by the foreign long-distance company is split with
the company renting the line. they profit from your call.
If you receive a collection notice over e-mail, reply by e-mail and
insist that all collection notices be sent by regular mail.
According to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, notices of
collection can only be made by phone, mail, telegram, in person or fax.
For more information on your rights in debt collection, see web page
http://www.fraud.org. You can also call the National Fraud Information
Center at 1-800-876-7060.
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
