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.
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Our database contains over 25 million Do Not Call and robocall complaints reported to the FTC.
Scammers use robocalls claiming the "Process Division" is taking legal action against you with "four charges" or "serious allegations." They threaten to send a sheriff or police to arrest you and say they will contact your HR department to "serve you on site" if you don't press 1 immediately. They claim you have lost your right to resolve the issue outside of court. They use your personal information and workplace details to make fake legal papers and file bogus lawsuits in your name. Real process servers do not call first. They show up.
"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...'"
Robocallers claim to be the Social Security Administration reporting that "legal enforcement actions" have been filed against your Social Security Number due to fraudulent activity found in Texas. They threaten your SSN will be suspended and you could face federal court or be "behind bars" if you don't press 1 to connect with an "officer." They use your Social Security Number to open credit accounts and file fake tax returns in your name. Your SSN cannot be suspended. The Social Security Administration never calls with threats.
"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."
Scammers calling 843 area code residents claim to be Dominion Energy and say your power bill is overdue and they are scheduled to cut your power off in 30 minutes. They demand immediate payment over the phone to avoid disconnection, even calling people who don't use Dominion Energy as their provider. They use your credit card or bank account information to steal money and make unauthorized purchases. Utility companies provide multiple written notices by mail before disconnection. They do not give 30-minute warnings by phone.
"Called saying they were from Dominion Energy and they are cutting my power off in 30 minutes."
Scammers pretending to be from Tidelands Health's billing department, sometimes identifying as "Jasmine," claim you have an overdue balance and ask you to confirm your date of birth and mailing address. They quote incorrect amounts like over $200 for a free COVID-19 shot and may show up as "Howard Hanna" on caller ID instead of the hospital. They use your personal information to access your real medical accounts and file fraudulent insurance claims. Legitimate billing departments can verify your identity without asking for your full date of birth over an unsecured line.
"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..."
Callers using names like "Frank" or representing entities like "Jeff Cook Real Estate" and "We Buy Houses Fast Charleston" bombard 843 residents with repeated calls and texts asking to buy their house for cash, even when properties are not for sale and homeowners have asked them to stop. They ignore the National Do Not Call list and often call from multiple different numbers when blocked. They use your property information to create fake listings and attempt to sell your home without your permission. Professional real estate agents do not harass homeowners with relentless unsolicited contact.
"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 send text messages with dangerous links claiming your Bank of America account ("BOA 5948") is suspended, you have a Maryland unemployment claim, or offering explicit content with links to websites like "sarawood.me." These messages use URL shorteners and fake website addresses instead of official company websites. Clicking these links installs malware on your phone or takes you to fake websites that steal your login credentials and banking information. Banks and government agencies never text you links to resolve account problems. They use secure messaging within their official apps.
"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."
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.
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 (Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant), or have a 843 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.
Other South Carolina area codes where scam and spam calls are regularly reported: