Many thanks to the reporting community who contribute warnings and useful, helpful information.
WE are our own and only first line of defense and NO ONE SHOULD ANSWER UNIDENTIFIED, UNRECOGNIZED, OR UNSOLICITED NUMBERS, even if they appear to be local or toll-free numbers...they most likely are spoofed .. (Also, letting it ring wastes more of their time and money since they will be paying for a service that doesn't work.)
The second line of defense is to promptly hang up if you answer. DO NOT RESPOND in any way...not by voice or selection, and DO NOT CALL BACK.
Third, register all your numbers on the DO NOT CALL. (They never expire). Report any unwanted contact to FTC, DNC. Then, just by dialing your number unsolicited, they are in violation of the DNC, therefore assumed a scam. A legitimate caller will leave a message putting you in control.
One more...SHRED. Receipts and documents have a lot of information.
Called on cell phone. I did not answer and no message was left or call was rejected as unrecognized, unidentified, unsolicited and in violation of DNC, so assumed a SCAM.
SCAMMING AND PHISHING CAN ONLY SUCCEED IF THERE IS A MARKET AND WE ARE IT! Be smart, alert, suspicious, and aware. Educate yourself, share and report.
Thanks for support and reading .. hope it helps.