All you did was confirm they got a live number. ROT, don't answer numbers you don't recognize, don't call numbers back least you get a nasty surprise in your next phone bill and absolutely do not press any numbers to remove yourself from a list.
Consider getting a call blocking device or phone.. You can google them and many are around $40.00 or so. If its a cell phone, some already have call blocking, if not, there are free apps on the web that will work for some. You can google this. If you have a smart phone, there is a free app called call control. Iphones appear to have apps also. Another one is called Mr. Number.
Report your callers here, not just to the DNC alone:
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1
https://esupport.fcc.gov/ccmsforms/form1088.action
https://complaints.donotcall.gov/complaint/complaintcheck.aspx?panel=2
For text messages: forwarding any text message spam you get to the short code “7726,” which spells “spam” on most phones, to alert your network operator to the abuse. ATT won't accept 7726 But they will accept BLOCK and return a message that the web site is blocked. forward the texts to 7726 or BLOCK, depending on your phone carrier.
By State DNC lists:
http://800notes.com/res/DoNotCall.aspx
FCC Abandoned Calls Complaint form:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/1088D-R.pdf
email:
[email protected]
To file complaints on Foreign company's:
eConsumer.gov: Report Your Complaint
E-mail:
[email protected]