You said you didn't pick up the phone for months, but do callers still get an answering device when they called? That'll keep them coming. I turned off my answering machine when my landline was still active and the number of garbage calls I was getting went down drastically after a while.

JustinCase,
No I didn't turn off voice mail.
If I'm not available or not at home I still need to get my important msgs. I just go through and delete all the scam (blank or prerecorded msgs) and check for any important ones.
Wish I could just shut off phone service completely for ever. This has been going on for years. I don't think it will ever end for any of us.
Any suggestions on how to deal with scammerz?
Anyone?
PLEASE, PLEASE, let me know! I appreciate any ideas.
Thank you so much.

Not being able to do without an answering device changes the complexion entirely. If you risk missing important calls, and emergencies, what I did won't be an option, nor is disconnecting the line (landline) for night time hours. Therefore, a larger call blocker may be the best bet as many of these wiser posters suggest. If you're near your phone whenever unknown calls come in, cutting the call off before it reaches voicemail might help. That's doubtful it can be done unless you're always able to get there in time. I have heard of instances where the number of junk calls has decreased even if an automatic answer is there, but not often. It's very frustrating but I wish you luck.

Maybe change up the way you block numbers (review your blockers owners manual...think outside the box) and be more aggressive with your blocking (think area codes or ranges of numbers). Look at where your gotta have contacts are (area code wise) and look at where your scammers are calling from (again area code wise), and let that be your guide. It may need some adjusting, but it will be better than what you got now. I wish you good luck.

JustinCase,
 Thank you so much for your reply.
I should have initially stated that I have to keep voice mail on 24/7.
 I thought of getting a bigger call blocking device. But it's very rare that the same number keeps calling me back. A lot of these calls just show a local or nationwide city/town, state and phone number  in Caller ID. I'd say 50% are trying to get me to change from National Grid Electric to their company. To save .01 off the rate per kwh. Really?
 Life is to short for all this time lost on annoying phone call bs.
 Hey, thanks for listening and letting me vent. Wishing you the best, take care and have a great day!