Area Code Location & Trust Lookup
Before returning a missed call about an appointment, check if the area code originates from a known premium-rate scam location (like the "809 scam" in the Caribbean).
The "809 Scam" and International Toll Tolls
Scammers leave urgent voicemails claiming you missed a medical appointment or a delivery, asking you to call a number beginning with area codes like 809, 284, or 876.
These appear to be standard US domestic numbers because they use the same 10-digit format. However, they actually route to countries in the Caribbean (like the Dominican Republic or Jamaica) that are part of the North American Numbering Plan but are not bound by US telecommunications laws.
Known High-Risk Area Codes
- 809 (Dominican Republic)
- 284 (British Virgin Islands)
- 876 (Jamaica)
- 473 (Grenada)
- 900 / 976 (US Premium Rate - explicit per-minute charges)
Rule of thumb: If you do not recognize an area code and are not expecting an international call, let it go to voicemail. Do not call back.