Butler County Sheriff's Office

[Public Info Officer]

For Immediate Release…. June 14, 2007

Sheriff’s Office Warns of Possible Scam – “809” Area Code

Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones has issued a warning today urging people to use extreme caution before making or returning calls to any number in the 809 area code. While no one has yet reported an incident to the Sheriff’s Office, information received indicates that there have been numerous victims nationwide.

Victims reportedly receive phone calls or messages indicating an urgent need to contact someone about a medical issue with a loved one, a relative that has been jailed, or some other emergency. Victims are asked to call a number that begins with an area code of 809. According to ATT’s website, 809 is a legitimate area code, but located in the Caribbean. It can function similar to a “900” toll number area code here, where callers pay fees based on the length of the call. When a caller dials into an 809 area code and is placed on hold, or has to listen to an extensive recorded message at the other end, charges mount up quickly. The caller is usually not aware of the higher, international fees until after receiving a bill a month or two later. Unfortunately, by that time, scammers may have already collected their fees and disappeared, sometimes making it difficult to have adjustments made to the phone bills.

“Don’t become a victim,” said Sheriff Jones. “These scammers prey on people by creating a false urgency situation. Be very cautious in returning any unsolicited call to any long distance number, especially if it involves an ‘809’ or even a ‘900’ area code.”

Prepared by: Sgt. Monte Mayer
Public Information Officer