Here's another area code 809 scam:
Internet ScamBusters #14
Special Scam Alert
SCAM: It's Back... The Infamous 809 Scam.
This weekend some of our watchful subscribers alerted us to the return of the 809 Scam mentioned previously in Internet ScamBusters Issues #8 and #9. This scam has cost victims lots of money. So, we're sending out this issue of Internet ScamBusters to warn you about the new developments.
Here is the newest email ploy they are using:
Dear XXXXX,
You are owed money!
Nine out of ten people over the age of 25 are owed money they didn't know they had, and you are one of them!
There is over 400 billion dollars in unclaimed money in the United States, 400 billion! This money belongs to You, and millions of other Americans.
You may have seen or heard about unclaimed funds on a talk show or news program. Oprah Winfrey recently devoted an entire program to unclaimed funds. Her purpose was to alert the public that every individual should check to see if they are owed money, since 90% of American adults have abandoned assets.
Most people don't think they've ever lost money, but how do they really know unless they check? Abandoned money is money you don't know about, and that is precisely why you must check! 90% of Americans have lost money and because most don't bother to check, over 400 billion dollars has accumulated in national depositories. The average amount of money owed to an individual is approximately $2,200.00. FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR MONEY TODAY!
Company XYZ Inc. helps individuals across North America discover these abandoned funds. To initiate a search for your money, please call our international information hotline at 1-809-414-xxxx now. Company XYZ Inc. charges you no fees for a search. If funds are found in your name, you can then choose to recover the money yourself or let us help recover the money for you. We only charge a 15% fee of the amount found after the money has been recovered. There are no up-front costs to you.
That's all there is to it. We want to build a relationship with you to help recover all your sources of abandoned money. Let us go to work for you. If you are not satisfied with our assistance, you are under no obligation whatsoever; Company XYZ Inc. cannot proceed without your consent. You have a 90% chance of being owed money, so take that first simple step and inquire about the money waiting for you! We are available to take your calls 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Remember, nine out of ten people are owed money! CALL 1-809-414-xxxx NOW!
Yours truly,
Company XYZ Inc.
Summary: Again, don't call phone numbers beginning with the 809 area code you don't know, and be very careful when receiving unsolicited email requesting that you call any long distance number. Call your long distance phone company's operator to find out where the area code is located (or look it up on the Net), and only call numbers that make sense to you.