Picking up and answering is a bad idea any way. If its a robo-dialer, it tells the system your phone is active and working. Pick up, press the # button repeatedly for a minute or two, then hang up. Its suppose to mess with their system.
But if that doesn't work, you can buy a call blocking device or phone as well! :) The T-lock Incoming PRO Call Blocker sells for under 60 bucks on Amazon and can block up to 1500 numbers.
They can do whatever they want any time - govt shutdown or no. The problem is most of these callers are based overseas. They obtain US phone numbers and call through those, but the calls are based overseas, so they do not have to care about the Do Not Call Registry like an American business or other organization would.
Asked for my son by name.(He lives in his own home for 2 years now and uses his cell phone # for legitimate contacts) After my questioning, she gave her first name and said it was regarding his medication.(bogus) When I said he was not available to her, she hung up. I think I'll start giving out the local police department number as his "new" number to call for these scammers.