re: The " do not call list" is a joke

Somewhat perversely, the "list" has to be available - legitimate companies observe the list because they can be punished for violating it.

Therefore, every "business" who calls you, at least if you do not already do business with them, is a scammer.

Period. Every single one. Not a legitimate business to be found. Most are call centers in the Subcontinent, the Caribbean or Africa (generally where English is one of the official languages).

The only exceptions are political calls/surveys and some of the charities get an exception, particularly the law enforcement and firefighter charities - however, I don't reward bad behavior on their part and never donate, at least over the phone.