Have called every day for the last week. I have been on the DNC list since day 1. I do NOT mind answering surveys but those calls have 'Suvey' in the name box.
"Service Message" means 'nothing' to me so why should I speak to the caller.
I 'WILL' answer the call w/o saying anything and if a 'friendly voice' is on the other side I will see what they need. If it's a computer or an automatic p/u line at 25 seconds; they don't deserve to waste my time.
The reason I answer the call w/o speaking; is as a retired Telephone Operator, I know that every phone call that is answered, from a company that uses an O-Watts phone line, is charged a certain fee for as part of their out-going O(ut)-Watts phone bill.
So if they bothering me during 'my time', I'm going to make that company pay for it. It can get fun. Especially if I leave the TV's sound on. The person will sometimes try to get the Television to engage with them.
Just remember that a phone call does not register/charge unless the line has been open for at least 6 seconds. So, if they have bothered you enough that you've had to p/u the telephone handset so you could see whose calling you, have some fun and make them pay for the call. The automatic phone calls normally hang up at 35 seconds.