On 3/8/20 9:59 AM, Damian Menscher via NANOG wrote:
In the robocall case, there*is* something the end user can do to fight the
abuse: answer every call, and keep them on the line as long as possible.
They are paying for connected calls, for the connection duration, and for
the humans to scam people. If everyone tarpitted them, the business model
would fail.
+1
When I recognize the name and number on caller ID, I'll answer in the
usual manner.
I answer calls when I don't recognize the name or number, but say
nothing. The caller then drops the connection, usually in 10 seconds --
and I hear the disconnect -- and usually my cordless phone's base
station notices the disconnect as well. (Yes, I still have a standard
POTS line.)
What if it's an unknown person but otherwise valid and not robo-call?
They will notice the ringback tone stopping and will say "Hello, hello?"
at which point I can have a conversation. (Some robocallers will notice
the ringback tone stopping and start their automated spew, at which
point I press "Off.")
This helps keep my blood pressure low, keeps my answering machine from
filling up with useless calls, and I feel good that someone just spent a
nickle for nothing.
