Do you answer unknown calls?

[SquallsMist]

I know the 'amusing' thing for people to do is to piss around with the person on the other end of the phone, but if it's a cold call I just politely tell them I'm not interested and put the phone down.
Most of the time the person is just a kid on the other end of the line working for next to no money (probably on commission) in a job that is making their life hell. They don't need me adding to that by stringing them along like an arsehole, they're just trying to get by.

Also, the shadier ones are happy to sell along your number to whoever else might want to call you. Don't mess with telemarketers, it is funny for about 10 minutes and then you'll face the Wrath of the Cold Caller for weeks to come.

And many calls (especially the ones where you answer and there's a silence before a recorded message) are kind of recon calls, you answer and you're added to a list of idiots who answer phone calls from unknown numbers.