Hell yes I've responded to spam. Or clicked links in emails. Or chatted to spambots. Surely any curious IT professional wants to know more about how spammers work or how far AI has come in making a profit for some lowlife. Sometimes it's just out of sheer boredom that I investigate or respond.
Here' a typical recent conversation on Skype:
Lena: Hullo!!
Lena: pretty girl looking for new friends
Me: u look like a spambot to me
Lena: Nice to meet you! How can I see Your photos and data? My photos placed at the www:***crappylinkdeleted***
Me: well that was both boring & predictable. Goodbye!
Lena: oh.... sorry... my mom comming soon... see you later!
Me: spambots don't have moms, liar!
So yeah, 12% does seem low to me too.