I got a call, started reeling off this massive script. Finished probably after 2 minutes of solid talking, and I politely sat through the whole thing.
I paused and said “… Sorry?”
She said “again” and started the whole script again from the start.
Another 2 minute solid talk-wall later, I said “… Sorry?”
This time, there was a bit of frustration in her voice. “AGAIN” and once again did the whole 2 mins again, aggressively this time.
“… Sorry?”
“f@#k this” and the call ended.
Me: Hello? (I don't answer with my name when I don't recognize the number)
Scammer: Hello! Is this XXX YYY I am talking to?
Me: Yes, this is XXX's phone. Who is this?
S: This Mike, I'm calli...
Me: <briskly> Mike who?
S: I'm Mike. I'm calling from ...
Me: <more briskly> Are you one of the kidnappers?
S: Whut???
Me: You are calling for XXX YYY, yes?
S: Yes! I am calling to ...
Me: XXX YYY has been kdnapped. Is that why you are calling?
S: Whut??!! No! I'm calling to
Me: Hold on the line please. <Pretend to talk to someone else in the room and tell them to start a trace> So, Mike, where are you?
S: I'm... I'm calling for XXX YYY....
Me: Yes, Mike, I know. Is XXX YYY still alive?
and then pretty much just improvise to see how long I can string them along before they hang up.