Before I started ignoring unknown numbers entirely, every time I got a scam call I would just tell them I needed a minute, ask them to hang on, and mute my phone while I went back to work. They'd usually stay on the line for 5-10 minutes. A bit tougher with this guy's scheme where there are regulatory requirements for transparency, etc. he's fined for not meeting, but I felt quite satisfied knowing that for 5 minutes, a scammer was taken out of circulation while I just went back to honest work. Required almost none of my actual time.

I’ve recently taken up trying to sell them my own brand of snake oil or the secret to immortality.

Don't forget he is just watching TV on his couch while doing it. He doesn't have to put on a uniform or commute anywhere. He doesn't even have to be actively participating in the conversation - just mumble a few things to keep them talking while he makes a sandwich or browses the internet...

it might not be a waste, especially if this becomes popular. if we all unite maybe we can stop organized lawful mass harassment over cellular telephony!