Why do I receive phone calls, and the line rings when I answer?

Question

I get these phone calls all the time.

The phone rings. Caller ID says "out of area," of course.

I answer, and hear the phone ringing on the line (as if I have called someone).

Then the "operator" recording comes on and says "we're sorry, your call could not go through."

I even get these on the answering machine. The message that is left is the ringing and the message.

What is this?

Answer 1

Probably a telemarketer....I've gotten those too.