“it is another human being on the other side of the line trying to make an honest living. Just hang up and move on.”
I disagree with construing it as honest living. Pestering people in their private space & time is wanton obnoxious, taking advantage of most people’s politeness.
I do agree with: just hang up.
You don’t need to persuade them to agree with ending the call. Just hang up.
Just hanging up doesn't end the harassment. You've got to get on their Do-Not-Call list.
Seriously, turning one of these calls into an obscene phone call really works.
With the sexual harassment laws, making them call you can get their employer sued for more money than they'd ever make through their calls.
I'm pretty sure there is a "pervert" list that they share because I very rarely receive those harassing phone calls anymore.