{"area_code":"803","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 803 is a legitimate South Carolina area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 803 — so individual calls can still be fraudulent.","spoofing_note":"An area code only shows where a number is registered, not who is calling. Caller ID can be spoofed, so the code alone is not proof a call is local, safe, or fraudulent.","ftc_complaints":{"numbers_with_complaints":105,"total_complaints":417,"top_subjects":["Other","Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends","No Subject Provided"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(803) 339-8232","complaints":12,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8033398232"},{"number":"(803) 233-2659","complaints":12,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8032332659"},{"number":"(803) 398-4620","complaints":10,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8033984620"},{"number":"(803) 463-0875","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8034630875"},{"number":"(803) 298-1207","complaints":8,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8032981207"}],"note":"These are FTC Do Not Call complaints filed about specific numbers shown with this area code — frequently spoofed. The area code itself is not a scam.","source":"FTC Do Not Call Reported Calls"},"advice":"Judge the call by what it asks for (urgency, gift cards/crypto, confirming codes or SSN), not by the area code. When unsure, hang up and call back on an official number.","canonical_url":"https://areacode.fyi/803/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-10-21"}