If the caller ID comes through out of town, I pick up, do NOT speak and press and hold the # key.
It mimics a fax tone and helps get your number deleted from their records. They want live ppl, not fax lines.
However, they are now SO tricky that the caller ID shows your OWN township! If I answer, and find a scammer/seller...I STILL PRESS and HOLD THE # KEY!
Nothing like that high pitched squeal coming through their head sets to encourage them to delete you.
It has cut down drastically on the calls. So much for all those "Do Not Call" lists!
As my mother aged, she continually fell prey to their schemes. We all know, it is not as simple as telling an aging parents to hang up, not answer, not give info. out etc.