{"area_code":"854","is_legitimate_code":true,"explanation":"Area code 854 is a legitimate South Carolina area code. The code itself is not a scam, but scammers can spoof any number — including 854 — 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":16,"total_complaints":59,"top_subjects":["Other","Reducing your debt (credit cards, mortgage, student loans)","Calls pretending to be government, businesses, or family and friends"],"most_complained":[{"number":"(854) 202-9196","complaints":7,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8542029196"},{"number":"(854) 236-1332","complaints":6,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8542361332"},{"number":"(854) 212-4380","complaints":4,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8542124380"},{"number":"(854) 203-3041","complaints":4,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8542033041"},{"number":"(854) 203-3033","complaints":4,"url":"https://areacode.fyi/number/8542033033"}],"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/854/scam","source":"North American Numbering Plan Administrator via areacode.fyi","data_date":"2026-08-02"}