There are blocklist apps (Calls Blacklist) you can download that will prevent your phone from ringing. I think calls are sent straight to VM and from my experience, 9 out of 10 times they don't leave a VM. Not perfect but you can add numbers straight from your call log with minimal effort - easier than setting up a fake contact. Plus with visual VM you can just delete a VM without listening if one gets through. Keeps record in a separate call log too so your regular call log doesn't get contaminated with the barrage of calls. As far as I know, there is no max to the number of numbers you can block. I don't think the numbers these companies use are endless - now that i have built up my list, seldom does a new number get through.... for now... at least until they find another way to irritate me...
After you give "her" a fake VISA card number 4627-0519-4328-7147
Fake bank "Bank of Wichita"
Fake balance "$18,500"
Fake interest rate "15%"
Fake expiration "07/14"
Fake "800" number for bank: "1-800-225-5324" (NATIONAL FBI TOLL-FREE LINE)
"She" tells you to hang-on while she verifies your balance.
Of course you hang up while she calls the FBI !!! :)
If she's really Pi$$ed, you'll get a couple of calls back in short succession which you don't answer:
Due to my work I need to carry 2 cell phones. I used to receive 2 to 3 calls per day per cell phone. I then started following my own advice and the phone calls decreased to only 1 per week: Hang Up. Do not press 1 or any other numbers to get off the list and NEVER call them back.
Report it at http://www.fcc.gov/complaints and at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov
EVERYONE should be reporting them. It is important to keep up the pressure even though nothing seems to be getting done, or else the government will just sit back and claim they are doing a good job since there are fewer complaints. These scum suckers need to be charged with a CRIMINAL offense and thrown in prison (Prosecute them in criminal court instead of civil penalties).
Starting this week I am once again receiving 1 to 2 calls per day per phone.
I think it is time for EVERYONE to follow Fred's advice since nothing else (especially the FTC and FCC) seems to work.
If a caller you don't recognize just let it go to voice mail. Important they will leave a message. If not you list nothing and caller doesn't know your phone is live.