Joined: Aug Thu 20, 2009 3:37 am Posts: 162 Location: Long Island, NY
Interesting that the news group actually posted that warning. It appears that the information they used dates back to 2001 and has some inaccuracies. The calls charge you $25 and are very rare these days.
Check out Snopes.com, they have a whole section on exactly this warning.
Joined: May Sat 14, 2011 5:42 am Posts: 2578 Location: Ft Worth TX
Besides, you did NOT win a sweepstakes you didn't enter, did NOT get a job you didn't apply for, do NOT have relatives you didn't know in Domenican Republic, and nobody gives away free vacations.
You CAN however, be charged $25 for a collect call from someone you know in your own area code. Here's how:
This is not internet hooey, but firsthand experience. Certain states--Texas is one--allow phone contractors to operate in their prisons. These contractors' rates are not what we'd call "competitive". Say a friend happens to end up in county jail. You get an automated call from the contractor with your friend's voice inserted. It's a collect call at long distance rates, even though it originates only a few miles from your home. And the contractor can charge..... anything. The automation asks you to 'press 1 to accept' so you do have an opt out. But once you've pressed 1 you WILL be charged whatever the contractor chooses and your carrier won't get you out of it.
