Fake process servers and government imposters often use the 864 area code. They threaten legal action or pretend to be the IRS to frighten you into making a payment.
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 864 area code and wonder if it's a scam? You're not alone. Scammers frequently spoof South Carolina (Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson) phone numbers to trick you into answering. Here are the most common area code 864 scams based on user comments:
Scammers are calling 864 residents claiming a "complaint notice" has been filed against you. They use names like "Evelyn Davis," "Ashley Brown," or "Samantha Leavy" and threaten to contact your HR or payroll department if you don't call back an 888 or 844 number immediately. This is a high-pressure tactic to scare you into paying a non-existent debt.
Real process servers do not call ahead to warn you; they simply show up. Legitimate debt collectors are required by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to provide you with information in writing and cannot threaten to tell your employer about your debt.
"Hello my name is Evelyn Davis, you were not available today. And this message is in regards to a complaint notice to your attention. Please immediately contact 844-836-6221... After the 3rd failed attempt I am required to direct further attempts to your HR or payroll department on file."
These callers falsely claim to be from the IRS or Social Security Administration. They may use names like "Officer Ryan Smith" to threaten you with a lawsuit or an arrest warrant for unpaid taxes. Another version claims your Social Security Number was used in a crime and you must verify it to avoid legal trouble.
The IRS and Social Security Administration's first contact with you will always be through official U.S. Mail, not a surprise phone call. They will never threaten you, demand immediate payment, or ask for payment via gift cards or wire transfers.
"Robo-call; said that I owed money, that a warrant for my arrest has been issued, and if I didn't settle the tax bill I would be arrested."
You may receive unsolicited texts from people like "Betty" asking if you want to sell your home and listing your exact address. These individuals are often aggressive, won't disclose how they got your number, and may be phishing for information or engaging in harassing behavior, with one resident reporting a suspicious visit from a deputy after a creepy text exchange.
While some real estate investors use cold-calling, legitimate professionals typically identify themselves and their company upfront. The combination of unsolicited contact, vague identity, and personal data usage is a major sign of a phishing attempt or a setup for a more elaborate property fraud scam.
"I was texted from this number and they greeted me by my first name... They said they were building a house in the area and asked if I would be interested in selling my property and gave the address... Three days later, I see a Deputy standing on my front porch, who told me that they had a report that there was a squatter living on the property."
Scammers are leaving voicemails claiming a large purchase was made on your account. One common script in the Upstate involves a company called "Global PC" saying you were charged $300 for a computer service renewal. Another version claims your Apple iCloud account has been breached and you must press 1 to speak with a support advisor.
The goal is to get you to call back in a panic. Once on the line, scammers will try to obtain your credit card number to "process the refund" or trick you into installing malicious software on your computer. Companies like Apple and Microsoft do not monitor your devices and call you about security breaches.
"Dear Global PC customer thank you for your order the amount of $300 was successfully charged today from your account... Please contact Refund customer service on 864-670-5724. If this transaction was not authorized by you or if you wish to get refund of this transaction please call us back."
These calls specifically target seniors in South Carolina, often with threats related to Medicare benefits. Scammers may claim you need to get tested for cancer to remain eligible for coverage or push you to accept "free" medical back braces. They often use robocalls and spoof different numbers to evade being blocked.
Medicare already has your information and will not call you to confirm it or sell you things. Unsolicited calls about medical equipment or genetic testing are illegal and are attempts to fraudulently bill Medicare, leaving you with potential complications and a compromised identity.
"Calling about getting tested for cancer or you could become ineligible for Medicare coverage . Did not respond."
Multiple businesses in the 864 area, particularly those with female employees, have reported disturbing calls from a man at 864-621-5211. He uses a distinct script where he pretends to have bad reception, asks you to "hold on," and then whispers sexually explicit things while you wait. He often calls businesses like hotels, yoga studios, and call centers, wasting time and creating a hostile, unsafe environment for employees.
This is not a financial scam but a form of criminal harassment. The caller's goal is to get a reaction and make employees uncomfortable. Engaging with him only encourages the behavior. The best and safest response is to immediately hang up and block the number.
"Calls several times in a row, each time he will say he is having phone trouble, but whispers sexual things, asks you to hold on, whispers more things, and continues for several mins. His answering machine gives the name of Paul Scott."
Frequently Asked Questions about Area Code 201 Scams and Spam Calls
No, area code 864 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 864 is a general purpose code that has been in service since December 3, 1995.
Most common 864 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 864 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: