I usually keep my phone ringer off, and just let it vibrate. I only answer calls from numbers I recognize. When I do get a call from a number I don’t know, I do a search for it online to see if other folks have gotten messages from them, and add them to my blocked numbers list on Verizon. The junk calls are few and far between for me, so it hasn’t been a big problem. Most of them don’t bother to leave a message either.
most collections and sellers use autodialers.
messages cause slowdown.
collection agent lie.
collection agents are not to be trusted.