If the telemarketer companies have automated dialing and telemarkerters, why not have an automated answering service or machine. Unlike a regular phone answering machine, this service can detect the incoming call and identify the phone number. Once it determines the intent of the call, it will automatically handle it or hand it over to the ring of a phone.

It would automatically respond with "checks in the mail", "we dont have this months rent", or "I do not want to buy the sports illustrated, even if it came with GQ mag." (bad humor).

But, the main intent is to stop incoming calls with an identification handle and then switch the phone calls to where they are supposed to go.