Alffe -your att link didn't work for me - It looks like it might be doubled up...

http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=6045

a few other sources-
[Type: Scams and Shams

Description:

This email, which is made to appear to have been sent out by AT&T, purports that a scam is being perpetrated by certain phone companies through the long distance code 809. It alleges that dialing this long distance number can leave callers with unexpectedly huge bills. It explains that the code dials to the Bahamas and does not operate under US regulations.

The code 809, which allegedly dials to the British Virgin Islands, actually belongs to the Dominican Republic.

While AT&T denies ever sending out this email, the scam it describes is apparently true, leading AT&T to issue the following statement regarding the 809 Area Code Urban Legend.

If you receive such an email, keep in mind that while the modus operandi described does indeed take place, you should also be aware of the following:

* Not all phone numbers with 809 in the area code is part of this scam; most 809 numbers are legitimate, ordinary numbers.
* This scam has been used with area codes aside from 809.
* It is not, in fact, $2400 per minute; the figures involved with this scam have been greatly exaggerated over the years.
* The average US consumer is unlikely to encounter the scam itself.]
http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/hoax...+Code+809+Hoax

[ * "809" - Dominican Republic.
* "284" - British Virgin Islands.
* "876" - Jamaica.
* Canada

Scammers in these area can make money two ways:

1.

Consumers are tricked into dialing these international phone numbers, which would result in substantial long-distance charges. That is possible because there a few regions outside the U.S., which includes the Caribbean and Canada, that can be dialed directly without the usual "011" international prefix.
2.

The phone numbers appear to be in the United States, but of course, the same laws don't apply. This makes these areas ideal for scammers who which to target U.S. citizens.

And since these numbers are outside the United States, the U.S. requirement to inform callers in advance of any special rates or fees doesn't apply. Scammers typically trick victims into dialing the numbers by leaving a message that claims that a relative has been injured or arrested, an unpaid account must be settled, or a cash prize can be claimed, etc. When the victim returns the call, they are kept on the line for as long as possible to run up additional charges. The bill for such a call can be substantial (though not nearly as high as $2,400 per minute claimed in the email).

AT&T advises that consumers always check the location of unfamiliar area codes before dialing. This can be done by visiting www.consumer.att.com or simply Googling the area code (e.g., area code 809) and viewing the top result. ]
http://www.consumerfraudreporting.or...aCodeScams.php