February 17, 2010 > 809 Area Code Scam 809 Area Code Scam Submitted By Officer Robyn Berlin An important information provided by AT&T suggests not to dial area codes 809, 284, and 876. Consumers usually receive a message telling them to call a phone number with an 809, 284 or 876 area code in order to collect a prize, find out information about a sick relative, etc. The caller assumes the number is a typical three-digit U.S. area code; however, the caller is actually connected to a phone number outside the United States, often in Canada or the Caribbean, and charged international call rates. A call from the U.S. will apparently be charged $24.25 per-minute. A long recorded message may also follow with the intention to keep the caller on the phone as long as possible to increase the charges. Unfortunately, consumers don't find out that they have been charged higher international call rates until they receive their bill. To be safe, return calls from numbers that contain familiar or recognizable area codes.