Never perpetuate a myth. If the phone rings and gives no SIT, then  they know you have an active number.

Scam/spam callers like this don't exchange lists. That would mean someone else knows who they are and what they do.

There's nothing wrong with refusing to answer. There's nothing wrong with never calling them back. There's nothing right about basing your actions on a misconception -- or trying to get others as confused as you are.

Don't answer unrecognized numbers/callers.  Press "ADD TO REJECT LIST" stops repeat calls wasting cell phone minutes.

I think calling the number back proves you are willing to entertain them.

Indeed

Called and left no message on my answering machine.  I added the area code to my blocked caller list.