Reviewing everyone's entries, it appears that this phone "campaign" had started in early November, and that being on the Do Not Call (DNC) list has no effect.  I agree with some comments that the "bots" are simply working their way thru a sequential list of phone numbers, with no regard to who is on the DNC list or not.

I agree that the best way to manage these calls is to review the caller ID and if you don't recognize the number or area code, simply do not answer and continue with life.  I am hard pressed to think that the "telemarketer" strategy ever worked in the past, (OK, I am sure a few bought something or participated in these surveys) but with the advent of the internet... why are these people launching a phone "campaign"?

I feel better sharing my experience and just to be clear and contribute to this blog, here are my stats:

Date:  Sunday November 20th
Time:  7:00p (Chicago time)
Source:  Telemarketer "bot" (robot - automated system) called my work number
NOTE: (I have no evidence to support that this was a telemarketer "bot" since I did not answer the call)
Outcome:  I was not at work and no message was left

Please, enjoy the holidays and don't allow a "phone" campaign to spoil the mood or even draw a second thought.  I am looking forward to being with the family and enjoying the down time at home.

Warm Regards,
-Bob...
(I was a Professor, but I had to jump back in the job market)