@foolishowl I'm not sure this is a tech industry issue.

Your direct number or means of contact is reserved for your close friends and family. Not answering is the digital equivalent of "No Soliciting" signs or answering machines.

If a complete stranger walks up to & and acts like your friend you walk away.

Entering a business; same thing.

You reserve the right to protect your personal space.

Before digitisation and tech scammers & social engineers just bought the phonebook.