When I get these kind of calls, I don't say anything, and, don't hang up.  I put a pillow over the receiver and leave it for several hours.  This will keep their line open and they can't call anyone. After a long time, I press the off button and still holding the button off, hang the phone up.

No it won't. As soon as the busy signal starts ringing, the call is finished. But do what you are doing until then. This way they get charged for the full completed call. Another option is to say hello, this will trigger the automatic mechanism, then lay the phone down. Or, as I do, go on ebay, buy a fart machine #2 and when the call comes, verify the number then turn on the machine until the busy signal sounds.

That would be a clever solution, but if They initiated the call, your leaving the phone on the hook wont keep them from hanging up their end and making another call. That used to work the other way around, and it still may for land lines. However, if the call is made involving a cell phone,  it doesn't matter at all. Best thing to do is Not Answer calls u don't recognize and Don't Call or respond to calls you don't recognize

This number and Sam Horton keep calling.  I don't bother to answer it.

Smart choice, Ann. I was first contacted via Text by a number identifying (i had a friend do a reverse look-up online)as rhis Sam Horton,  only it was the same number with a 720 area code. This text was a personal response to a mass Valentines day text i sent to 16 Friends, then i got 2 calls,  an hour apart, from the same #. I didnt answer either call or respond to the text, instead i Googled the name and discovered what you have ob this page. I look at it like i do strange emails, opening one could allow harm to come in. Best to avoid it. PEACE!