If I pick up, then they know its a real number and I get added to a hundred more lists. Its taken me years of diligently ignoring the world to get to the point where i only get a couple of spam calls a day. I might not answer, either.
I have 2 numbers, my direct cell that only family and close friends know, and my business line that I give out like candy. Business line is simply a virtual line that goes to an auto attendant that I this is si and so from whatever company, dial 1 to ring my cell or dial 2 to leave a voicemail. If you don’t hit a number it hangs up after 30 seconds. No more spam. Of course, some REALLY dumb clients think I’m sending them straight to voicemail because they don’t listen, but that’s it’s own kind of filter that I also appreciate