The 854 area code is used by fake federal agents and scammers selling useless medical braces. They try to intimidate you with arrest threats or bill Medicare for equipment you do not need.
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 854 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 854 scams based on user comments:
Scammers from the 854 area code are calling and leaving voicemails claiming to be from the Social Security Administration or another federal agency. They use automated messages to threaten you with arrest for a "federal crime" or an issue with the "US Treasury" and demand you call a federal agent back immediately.
Real federal agencies like the Social Security Administration will not call you to threaten arrest. Initial contact is almost always made through official U.S. mail, and they will never demand immediate action over the phone.
"The final attempt to reach you to resolve this issue immediately and to speak to a federal agent call back number 854-227-7908 I repeat 854-227-7908"
Aggressive callers are targeting South Carolina residents with offers for "free" back or knee braces. They attempt to get you to reveal your Medicare information under the guise of providing a covered benefit, and may even threaten to cut off your Medicare if you don't cooperate.
Medical equipment like braces must be prescribed by your doctor before Medicare will cover it. Legitimate medical suppliers will not call you unexpectedly to offer free products in exchange for your personal data.
"They are insurance scammers for back and knee braces trying to get you to give them your Medicare information to get a FREE brace. They have been calling me Numerous Times a week for over a year."
Scammers are contacting 854 residents about fake charges in an attempt to create panic. They leave voicemails or send messages about a pending charge for "Norton software" for $599.99 or a PayPal crypto order for $845, instructing you to call back or press 1 to cancel the fake transaction.
Companies like Norton or PayPal do not use automated robocalls for billing issues or unauthorized charges. Official notifications come via email to your registered address or appear as alerts inside your secure account portal.
"Keep receiving calls from this number saying that they are drafting payment of $599.99 for Norton software. I don’t use Norton"
This scam uses a text message pretending to be from a financial institution like "First Horizon Bank." The message falsely claims your services have been stopped and urges you to click a suspicious link to resolve the issue, which leads to a fake website designed to steal your login information.
Your bank will never send you a text message with a link to verify information or reactivate your account. They will always instruct you to log in to their secure website or mobile app directly.
"Received a text informing me that services had been stopped with First Horizon Bank. Instructed me to visit a website which I didn't do, I don't have an account with this bank and the website does not belong to First Horizon."
Robocallers are harassing residents with offers for a medical alarm system at extremely disruptive hours. Reports show these calls are coming in as early as 6:06 a.m. and as late as 2:29 a.m., designed to startle you into answering the phone.
Federal law prohibits telemarketers from calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. Calls placed far outside these hours are from illegal operations that completely disregard consumer protection laws.
"My phone rang at 6:06 AM in the MORNING. That's practically in the middle of the night! Of course I answered--I have children who might need me. It was stupid Medical Alarm scammers."
Telemarketers are using deceptive tactics by pretending to be from a company you know. They might claim to be from Marriott Hotels or even your local car dealership, like Stokes Volkswagen, using your specific vehicle information to try and lure you into a trade-in deal.
While some businesses use third-party marketers, deceptive practices like impersonating an employee are a major red flag. Your purchase history and personal data are often sold to marketing firms, which is how they obtain specific information about you and your vehicle.
"Called said they were from the dealership where I bought my car and that the manager asked them to call to see if I was interested in trading in. She wasn't from the dealership but had the make, model and mileage."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 854 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 854 is a general purpose code that has been in service since October 19, 2015.
Most common 854 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 854 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: