Annoying Calls

I am on Do Not Call -- for what that is worth = NOTHING!
But when I get totally annoyed I report the calls to the FCC -- takes a few minutes for each one but have found that the calls immediately stop.
Unwanted Calls – FCC Complaints
https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/a ... -Unwanted-Calls

Just remember..only HONEST telemarketers honor the DNC list, and there's not many honest ones left.

Everyone's complaining & commiserating; Does anyone know of a good way to block all unkown numbers, except for a select few?  Or a way to reply without getting caught in a scam?

Some call blockers can block my area code, and I believe there are ones that can block using Wild Card parameters. You can google those easily.
Based on the way you frame your question, I guess you are being plagued by Neighbor Spoofing: You are rarely called by the same number and the numbers shift within an area code and local exchange.

Blocking is tool, and often worth trying.  With the increase of Neighbor Spoofing and callers that simply change the numbers you see in your CID, blocking is less and less effective.  That leaves you with "Ignore" as a basic tool.  I do Power Ignore.  I see a suspicious number with no name/suspicious name, I simply disconnect my VOIP from the modem.  The caller gets a recording that my number is not working.  This seems to get my number dropped from some of the calling programs.

As for replying? IMHO, if  you are on the DNC, every unwanted call is from, by definition, a criminal.  Do not talk to criminals.  Do not answer calls from unknown numbers and missing/suspicious names that show in your Caller ID.  Talking, and usually answering, is a great way to get more calls. There are a few exceptions, but the rule is generally solid.

Here is a link to post from May, 2018. There might find some other ideas you can use.  A strategy for getting fewer calls needs attention paid to the details of  your overall cyber and financial security.
https://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-913-381-7890#p1369035891663804773

Also - here is a link to a video clip the FTC recently published that has some cool ideas:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/media/video-0086 ... mer-tips-tricks

-- PS - Keeping a simple call log was a key change for me in cutting the number of calls. Your mileage may vary, but for most people, a call log is cheap, easy and illuminating.