In today’s digitally connected world, phone scams are increasingly common—and they’re getting more sophisticated. One number that has drawn attention recently is 8093642079. On the surface, it appears to be a normal 10-digit phone number. However, beneath the surface, there are strong indications that it could be part of a well-known international scam, often referred to as the 809 scam. If you’ve received a call or message from this number, here’s everything you need to know.
What is 8093642079?
8093642079 is a 10-digit phone number that uses the 809 area code, which belongs to the Dominican Republic. This is significant because many people in North America mistakenly assume that all 10-digit numbers are local. In reality, the 809 area code is part of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) but is based outside of the United States.
Scammers exploit this confusion by getting people to return calls to 809 numbers, thinking it’s a domestic call. When someone calls back, they can be charged international calling fees or connected to premium-rate numbers that rack up huge charges.
How the 809 Scam Works
The 809 scam is a classic phone fraud tactic. Here’s how it typically plays out:
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Unsolicited Call or Message: You receive a missed call or vague message from a number starting with 809 (such as 8093642079).
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Urgency or Curiosity: The message might claim to be urgent—like a relative in trouble, a prize you’ve won, or a job interview follow-up. This is designed to prompt you to call back without thinking.
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Expensive Charges: When you return the call, you’re either placed on a long hold or transferred multiple times, keeping you on the line as long as possible while charging international or premium rates—sometimes as high as $25 per minute.
Reports About 8093642079
This specific number has been mentioned on several scam-tracking and tech awareness sites:
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The Noble Magazine warns that people have reported suspicious behavior from 8093642079, such as missed calls or strange messages with no context.
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Digital Global Times identifies it as a number commonly linked with deceptive practices and urges readers not to respond to it.
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WriteWorldWide emphasizes the importance of not engaging with unfamiliar numbers like this one and advises people to block and report them.
These reports indicate that the number has likely been involved in scam attempts or phishing tactics.
What to Do if You’re Contacted by 8093642079
If you’ve seen a missed call or received a message from this number, here are some steps to protect yourself:
✅ Do Not Call Back
Never return calls to numbers you don’t recognize—especially those with international area codes. Even a short callback can cost you money.
✅ Block the Number
Use your phone’s built-in features or a call-blocking app like Hiya, Truecaller, or RoboKiller to block the number.
✅ Report the Number
You can report suspicious numbers to:
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Your mobile carrier (they may be able to block it for others as well)
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the U.S.
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Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre in Canada
✅ Monitor Your Phone Bill
If you suspect you’ve been scammed, check your phone bill carefully for unusual charges. Contact your provider to dispute any unauthorized fees.
✅ Educate Yourself
Understanding how these scams work is your best defense. Be wary of unsolicited calls, especially those that create urgency or confusion.
How to Identify Suspicious Numbers in the Future
Here are some warning signs that a phone number might be part of a scam:
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It uses an international area code (e.g., 809, 876, 284) but looks like a domestic number.
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The caller ID is blocked or shows strange formatting.
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You receive a missed call without a voicemail.
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The message uses scare tactics or promises rewards.
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You’re urged to call back quickly “before it’s too late.”
Always err on the side of caution.
Conclusion
The number 8093642079 is a prime example of how scammers can exploit area code confusion to trick victims into costly mistakes. Whether you’ve been contacted by this number or another suspicious one, the best approach is to ignore, block, and report. Stay informed, spread awareness, and don’t let curiosity cost you.