Scammers use the 843 area code to make legal threats and claim your Social Security number is suspended. They pretend to be police or federal agents to scare you into handing over money.
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 843 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof South Carolina (Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 843 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are using robocalls to falsely claim that legal action is being taken against you. These aggressive calls threaten that you have "four charges against you" or "serious allegations" and that a sheriff or local police will be sent to arrest you. They often identify themselves as the "Process Division" and threaten to contact your HR department to "serve you on site" if you don't comply.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they deliver legal documents in person without prior notice. Likewise, law enforcement agencies and the IRS will not call to threaten you with immediate arrest over a civil or tax matter; they initiate contact through official mail.
"Got a call from this number stating 'This message is intended for (My last name). you are being contacted by the process division we need to verify the contact place of business to proceed against you at this time you have lost your right to take care of this matter outside of court...'"
This scam involves a robocall claiming to be from the Social Security Administration. The message urgently informs you that "legal enforcement actions" have been filed against your Social Security Number (SSN) due to fraudulent activity found in Texas. They threaten that your SSN will be suspended and you could face federal court or be "behind bars" if you do not respond by pressing 1.
The Social Security Administration will never call you to threaten your benefits or tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. They communicate through official, mailed correspondence, not threatening robocalls. Your SSN cannot be "suspended."
"Security Administration, the reason you received this phone call from our department is to inform you that there is a legal enforcement actions filed on your social security number for fraudulent activities. So when you get this message, kindly, press one to connect with the next available officer."
Residents in the 843 area code are receiving calls from scammers impersonating Dominion Energy. The caller falsely claims your power bill is overdue and that they are scheduled to cut your power off in 30 minutes. This is a high-pressure tactic designed to make you panic and pay a fake bill over the phone before you have time to think.
Utility companies like Dominion Energy provide multiple written notices via mail or email long before a disconnection. They do not call customers with a 30-minute warning and demand immediate payment over the phone, especially with non-traditional payment methods.
"Called saying they were from Dominion Energy and they are cutting my power off in 30 minutes."
Scammers are calling South Carolina residents pretending to be from Tidelands Health's billing department. Callers, sometimes identifying as "Jasmine," will claim you have an overdue balance and ask you to confirm sensitive information like your date of birth and mailing address. They may quote incorrect bill amounts, such as charging over $200 for a free COVID-19 shot, to pressure you into paying.
While a billing department may call you, they typically avoid asking for full personal details over an unsecured line. A legitimate representative can verify your identity in other ways and will encourage you to use official payment channels, not pressure you for credit card details on an unsolicited call.
"I CALLED THE ACTUAL TIDELANDS AND MY BILL WAS 10 BUCKS FOR BLOOD WORK WHEN THE LADY CALLING FROM THIS NUMBER SAID I NEEDED TO PAY OVER 200 FOR A COVID 19 SHOT. THATS WHEN I KNEW IT WAS A SCAM..."
Many 843 residents are being bombarded with unwanted calls and texts from individuals or companies claiming they want to buy their house for cash. These callers, using names like "Frank" or representing entities like "Jeff Cook Real Estate," often call repeatedly even when your property is not for sale and you've asked them to stop. This is a form of predatory harassment, and they often ignore the National Do Not Call list.
While some legitimate investors do purchase property, these aggressive, high-volume tactics that ignore consumer requests and the Do Not Call list are hallmarks of a predatory operation. Professional real estate agents do not typically harass homeowners with relentless, unsolicited calls and texts.
"This scammer is constantly harassing me about purchasing my properties in Charleston SC. They are not for sale, nor will they EVER be... How rude is it to get a random text, 'Hey..I'm interested in your property....' Awesome approach. Block this number..."
Scammers are sending text messages with dangerous links to steal your personal information. These texts create a false sense of urgency or curiosity, claiming your Bank of America ("BOA 5948") account is suspended, you have a Maryland unemployment claim, or even sending nude pictures with links to websites like "sarawood.me." Clicking these links can install malware on your phone or take you to fake websites that steal your login credentials.
Banks and government agencies will never text you a link to resolve an account suspension or verify information. They use secure messaging within their official apps or websites for these sensitive communications. These unsolicited links are always a scam.
"Pretended my Bank of America account was suspended -here is the text message below: BOA 5948: We have suspended your online access due to recent transactions. Please visit https://verify5948boa.com/?html to regain access."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 843 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 843 is a general purpose code that has been in service since March 22, 1998.
Most common 843 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 843 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: