I used to get calls like this more than 10 times per week. Here are some notes about how these nuisance callers work.
Most of these operations are using VoIP (Voice over IP) and in such systems, the calling system can set any CallerIDNumber or CallerIDName that they want. I call my grand children at Christmas time and set the CallerIDName to "Santa Clause". You really have no idea who these people really are based on the call display information.
A lot of these calls come from call centers contracted for a particular purpose. The call center assigns a number of operators (3, 5, 10, 20) to log in to a Call Queue. A robot dialer then dials numbers, either sequentially, or from a list of numbers. When someone answers the call, it is routed to the Call Queue. If all of the operators in the queue are busy, then you get no response when you say hello. You get frustrated and hang up. Otherwise, the next available operator gets connected to the call. If you don't answer the call, no message is left for you.
These calls bothered me so much, I finally decided to look for a real solution. I ended up signing up with a VoIP provider and porting my number over to them. The provider I use has tons of features for thwarting such calls such and unlimited call block entries, blocking by area code, blocking all and then allowing only white list entries through. But, the most effective tool for me was to set up my VoIP line to require a number to be entered before my phone would actually ring. When a call comes in, the caller gets a message: "Hello, please press the number 1 to complete this call, robot dialers, good-bye". If the caller does not enter "1" then the call is sent to voice mail, just hangs up, or your choice of several other options.. Robot dialers will not know how to Press 1, and the call just gets dropped.
Since I implemented this several months ago, I have not had one call from a robot dialer, it really works. And to make things better, my phone bill is only about 25% of what is was with my old landline provider. Also, there are no long distance charges within North America, more savings.
So, YES, there is a way to nuke all of these calls and save a good chunk of change as well.
P.S. VoIP services require a high speed Internet connection.
A newly-minted phone # from an apparently less-than-ethical Chattanooga, TN "market research firm", Wilkins Research Services Inc. Program their # to be blocked, if you don't want to deal with the nuisance calls - their site boasts of "a state-of-the art calling facility and 60 call stations"!! (Alexander Graham Bell never had in mind this kind of abuse of his cool new invention!)
Wilkins Research Services Inc.
1730 Gunbarrel Rd
Chattanooga, TN , 37421-3127
Business Phone: 423-894-9478
Website: www.wilkinsresearch.net
If you'd like to help put pressure on businesses like this to change their ways, here's how you can reach the Attorney General of the State of Tennessee to report them:
http://www.attorneygeneral.state.tn.us/
Prior to reporting them, note all details of the calls that you can: #/day/time/frequency/content of message or conversation. Establishing a pattern will help to build a strong case to the Attorney General to take action against them.
i did not answer the phone - caller id showed tennessee. i figured it was a survery. i am on do not call list but i do not think it covers this type of annoyance.
I answered. The woman said they were doing a "short survey on road rage," asked if there was anyone in the house who could take part. I said "No, sorry" and hung up. If they call again, they get blocked.
I've gotten calls from this number numerous times at all hours. I never pick up because I don't recognize the number and figure if it's important, they'll leave a message. My phone service is with Verizon and interestingly enough, when I tried to add this number using their Call Block feature (*60), it says it's not available for that number.