Hi, I am Dr. Monroe.  I am a professor in computer networks and connectivity.  Now
that I am retired, I spend my days uncovering Internet scams and notifying the public

There are lots of different permutations of this scam, but here is how it works:

            Permutation #1: Internet Based Phone Scam Via Email

            You receive an email, typically with a subject line of "*ALERT*" or "Unpaid
            account." The message, which is being spammed across the Net, says:
 
 

                I am writing to give you a final 24 hrs to settle your outstanding account. If
                I have not received the settlement in full, I will commence legal
                proceedings without further delay. If you would like to discuss this matter
                to avoid court action, call Mike Murray at Global Communications at +1
                809 496 2700.
 
 

            Permutation #2: Phone Or Pager Scam

            You receive a message on your answering machine or your pager which asks you
            to call a number beginning with area code 809. The reason you're asked to call
            varies: it can be to receive information about a family member who has been ill, to
            tell you someone has been arrested or died, to let you know you have won a
            wonderful prize, etc. In each case, you're told to call the 809 number right away.

            Since there are so many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return
            these calls. If you call from the US, you will apparently be charged $25
            per-minute! Sometimes the person who answers the phone will speak broken
            English and pretend not to understand you. Other times, you'll just get a long
            recorded message. The point is, they will try to keep you on the phone as long as
            possible to increase the charges. Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill,
            you'll often be charged more than $100.00.

            Here's why it works: The 809 area code is located in the Caribbean. The 809 area
            code can be used as a "pay-per-call" number, similar to 900 numbers in the US.
            Since 809 is not in the US, it is not covered by US regulations of 900 numbers,
            which require that you be notified and warned of charges and rates involved when
            you call a "pay-per-call" number. There is also no requirement that the company
            provide a time period during which you may terminate the call without being
            charged. Further, whereas many US phones have 900 number blocking (to avoid
            these kinds of charges), 900 number blocking will not prevent calls to the 809 area
            code.

            We recommend that no matter how you get the message, if you are asked to call a
            number with an 809 area code that you don't recognize, investigate further and/or
            disregard the message. Be *very* wary of email or calls asking you to call an 809
            area code number.
 

            It's important to prevent becoming a victim of this scam, since trying to fight the
            charges afterwards can become a real nightmare. That's because you did actually
            make the call. If you complain, both our local phone company and your long
            distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they
            are simply providing the billing for the foreign company. You'll end up dealing
            with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong.

            We'd like to thank Paul Bruemmer and Brian Stains for bringing this scam to our
            attention -- both will receive Internet ScamBusters! tee shirts. This scam has also
            been identified by the National Fraud Information Center and is costing victims a
            lot of money.