WITS 3 Telephone Fraud
You get a page and you notice a number with an area code different from your own... so you think it must be important. You then return the call only to find it's a recording. In reality, you've just been SCAMMED! The call probably went to one of several new area codes in the Caribbean, is billed at an international rate, and the longer you stay on the line, the more it costs. What you'll hear is a lengthy recording, and the meter starts running as soon as you make the connection. The page is generated by a computer dialer, and the cost goes to the return caller, you!,Customers receive a message asking them to call a telephone number beginning with Area Code 809. The sender usually claims to have information about a sick relative, someone who has been arrested, an overdue account, or even about a prize you have won. These scam artists want you to call a certain number in Area Code 809 that is in the Caribbean. Callers are led to believe they are talking to a live person, but in fact it is a clever recording that responds to the caller's voice and is designed to keep the caller on line as long as possible. This phone number typically is a pay-per-call number (similar to Area Code 900 numbers) that oftentimes charges exorbitant fees. Since these telephone numbers are not U.S.-based numbers, they are not covered by U.S. regulations, such as those regulating Area Code 900 numbers that require notifying and warning callers of charges and rates involved. Also, they are not required to provide a time period during which you may terminate the call without being charged. Calls can easily become very costly, and you will probably have to pay the charges. Since your local phone company and your long distance carrier are simply providing the connectivity and billing services for a call you made, you will have to deal with a foreign company and business that will argue that they have done nothing wrong. Listed below are some other area codes in the Caribbean. One good rule of protection is: If you don't recognize a number do not respond. Also, check the front of your local telephone book for area code verification. You can read more about this scam at the website listed below: ,1-800-381-3444 These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. We use both third party and first party cookies for this purpose. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly. These cookies may be set through our site by Verizon and third parties. They are used to present Verizon advertising on third party sites that you may visit. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising from Verizon. BackClear Filters,All Consent AllowedWe use technologies to collect and share information about your use of our site. By continuing, you agree to the use of these capabilities for a better experience and other purposes. Learn more in our .
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