# Diminishing car phone scam or solicitor calls **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Created:** [April 7, 2020, 5:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diminishing-car-phone-scam-or-solicitor-calls/162586 "2020-04-07T17:51:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Robert-Gift](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/robert-gift/32/356_2.png) [@Robert-Gift](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Robert-Gift)\ **Post date:** [April 7, 2020, 5:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/diminishing-car-phone-scam-or-solicitor-calls/162586/1 "2020-04-07T17:51:40Z")
> [@TwinTurbo](#): > > > [@Robert\_Gift](#): > > > > _When I suspect a solicitor’s call on our home telephone, I answer as quickly as possible and make no sound. > > Typically the call disconnects in 12 seconds. > > Does this fool the computer that my number is no longer in service?_ > > No, the exact opposite. It logs your number as valid. Disconnected or invalid numbers will produce a unique sequence of 3 tones that has been in use for decades. Never pick up, let it go to VM. > The same number may never call back. These are phishing exercises to identify and sell valid numbers to other companies. The fact they hung up without saying anything further verifies that. Voicemail is the same as answering. Confirms thathe number is working. Long ring until answered also indicates a working number. (I, nothey, am the one who does not say anything.) I have considered recording the **3-tone Disconnected No Longer In Service** on our voice mail. Then leave the telephone off the hook. Using No Answer Transfer, the cell phone can forward an unwanted call to **DNLIS**! You can see the number calling and press REJECT. Buthe problem remains that I may be sleeping after an all night medical transport. That call still has awakened me. Since I am on call, I cannoturn off the cell phone.