Just now gotta a call from 209-782-8675 and the caller ID said TEST. It's very simple in my house...if I don't recognize the number or if the caller ID is blocked we pick up the phone, mute it and wait for someone to say something. I'd bet that's very confusing and frustrating for those idiots when that happens. We just chuckle and go back to living our lives! Hahahahaha....I guess the joke is on them.
I wouldn't chuckle so much. It's usually not a live person making the phone call and all your picking up the phone does is verify to them that they have a "live" phone number - That they can keep calling back over and over. They don't answer because they got what they needed. Now they can/will sell your number to other marketers. Guess what? More calls from shady businesses. It's best not to pick up the phone at all if you don't recognize the number.
To better handle it, use your phone service to block a specific number. You can also buy a phone that enables you to block numbers, since some phone services only give you a few. (Some Panasonics can block hundreds of #'s) I use an online service that's free that automatically detects a solicitor caller. My phone rings once, then it bumps it so that line shows as dead to the caller. It has helped me. We still get calls but no where near the volume we used to. I'm sorry, I forgot the name of the service. Just Google "phone blocking" for more help. I hope this helps some of you out!
That's right. These dialing systems dial random sequences of numbers -- by area code. When they "get a live one," they often leave a message. If you call back, then you're supposed to "leave your number to get off their list...." not on your life. Block the number.