[GirlShortstop]

If you answer the phone, and you hear a 3-to 5-second pause, hang up. It's THEM.

GOOD point!  I've yet to be told by a family member or friend that I hung up on them.  FReegards.

[Museum Twenty]

You are right about the pause being the indication of a telemarketer.

If I answer the phone and get the pause, I make sure to talk to the person on the other end.

I immediately, but politely, tell them "please put me on your do-not-call" list. As stated elsewhere, this does work!

I figure, since I've already picked up the phone, why allow anyone from their company to call me again?