{"area_code":"843","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 843 is a legitimate South Carolina area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 843 — 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":81,"total_complaints":391,"top_subjects":["Other","Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(843) 814-8313","complaints":41,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8438148313"},{"number":"(843) 826-2609","complaints":24,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8438262609"},{"number":"(843) 964-4494","complaints":17,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8439644494"},{"number":"(843) 408-4740","complaints":15,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8434084740"},{"number":"(843) 469-4910","complaints":15,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8434694910"}],"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/843/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}