Answering unknown number calls on my cell phone like a receptionist really confuses scammers.

"Good afternoon, thanks for calling!"

"Hello."

"Hi, who's calling please?"

"This is Experian Security Services calling to discuss an urgent issue with your account."

"Who are you trying to reach?"

"I am looking to talk to the owner of this phone number."

"I'm sorry, I'll need a name to help you."

30 seconds of silence.

Call hangs up.

@vees If you say "This call is being monitored and recorded for quality assurance" you can cut your call times down to 10 seconds.
@rasterweb @vees I have found that to be the case too. "Please acknowledge that you understand this call is being recorded." Always speeds things along.

@cigitalgem @vees I seem to recall someone answering with "By placing this call you agree to be billed at $9.99 per minute" or something similar.

I usually start with "How may I assist you on this fine day?" or "Please state the nature of this call." and even those rarely gets a response.