The 839 area code is used for the emotional injured grandson scam and aggressive magazine sales. Callers claim a family member is hurt and needs money or they harass you to buy subscriptions.
Look up any suspicious number using our scam and spam phone number lookup database. It includes over 29 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
Getting calls from 839 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof South Carolina (Columbia, Rock Hill, Sumter) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 839 scams based on user comments:
Residents in South Carolina are receiving distressing calls from scammers pretending to be a grandson in trouble. The caller claims to have been in a car accident, suffered injuries like a "broken nose," and been arrested for "reckless driving" in a city like Philadelphia, PA. They say they are too embarrassed to call their parents and will have a phony lawyer call you to request money.
Real law enforcement and court officials do not call family members to arrange for bail or legal fees over the phone. These financial matters are handled through official, verifiable channels, never through urgent, secretive phone calls.
"Said grandma, grandma thank goodness you picked up. I said you don't sound like my grandson. Grandma I was in an accident and broke my nose.... He claimed he was arrested in Phil. PA for reckless driving and was in an accident."
This is a high-pressure sales tactic where a caller tries to push a magazine subscription. They often ask for someone who no longer works at a business number and become very rude and confrontational when told they have the wrong number, insisting that they are correct.
Legitimate businesses train their representatives to be professional. Extreme rudeness is a tactic used by scammers to bully and confuse you into agreeing to a purchase you do not want.
"Very rude man I think trying to send magazine. Asked for someone who no longer works here and said he did not have the wrong number when I told him that."
These calls are designed to confirm if your phone number is active and answered by a real person. The caller may ask for you by name and then immediately hang up, or call repeatedly without saying anything. This flags your number as a potential target for future scams.
These are not accidental wrong numbers. They are often automated dialers or scouts for scam operations testing numbers to build a list of active, responsive people who can be targeted with more elaborate fraud attempts later.
"Yes. Asked my name and then hung up."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 839 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in South Carolina, United States. Area code 839 is a general purpose code that has been in service since May 26, 2020.
Most common 839 scam types are:
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near South Carolina, or have a 839 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Calling back to unknown spam number may incur premium charges or at least confirm your phone number is active and lead to more spam and scam calls.
There are three main ways to reduce spam calls:
It's definitely possible to block all specific area code phone numbers. However, we do not recommend this option because it would also prevent friends, family, doctors, and legitimate businesses from reaching you.
Other South Carolina area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: