SAN DIEGO -- An alleged telephone scam that has already hit 300,000 people -- including a U.S. senator -- has sparked a federal investigation.

The 10News I-Team discovered how a company based in Del Mar is allegedly getting away with thousands of dollars from unsuspecting people and what is being done to stop it.

Known as robo-calls, they are phone calls made by an automated system.

If you own a car, you probably have car insurance. But even if you don't own a car you might get a phone call about buying car insurance via a recording that says, "You are still eligible to reactivate warranty coverage."

Across the country this message is flooding landlines and cell phones.

Another recorded message says, "This is the final call before we close the file. Press 1 to speak to a rep about your vehicle."

Travis Belton has received a dozen automated messages about a car warranty, but he wasn't sure about the offer. Belton just purchased an Infiniti complete with warranty.

"Every call started with, 'This is the second attempt to call you,' which seemed odd because I never had a first," he said. "I assumed it was a scam."

In Belton's home state, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller has filed a lawsuit over the calls.

The lawsuit alleged "San Diego-based SVM, Inc., and Mike Moneymaker, used illegal pre-recorded messages delivered by auto-dialers to contact numbers listed on the state's 'Do Not Call' list."

The Better Business Bureau has received 300,000 questions from consumers nationwide about these calls, and 4,000 complaints.

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer received a warranty phone call during a health care meeting on Capitol Hill.

Schumer said the telemarketing scam is "bogus," and said the goal is all about getting consumers' credit card numbers.

"During these difficult times for the auto industry people are really worried anyway, and they're playing on people's fears," said Schumer.

The I-Team tracked down SVM, Inc., and its owner Mike Moneymaker -- an alias for his real name, Mike Millerd.

First, the I-Team visited Moneymaker's home address, which is a gated community with security.

The I-Team is not allowed inside so they head to Moneymaker's business address.

Moneymaker was not at his office, which the I-Team learned was not really his.

Moneymaker's office is a virtual office where he occasionally shows up to collect his mail.

The manager said Moneymaker is just one of several clients and he was not happy to see the I-Team.

"He's not here and I want you guys to leave. Stop interrogating people employed by me. He's a tenant and a client and that's all I'm saying …," said the manager.

10News contacted the California Attorney General to bring the situation with Moneymaker to his attention, and the I-Team will follow-up with what the attorney general intends to do.

Federal investigators are close to filing lawsuits against any company make these calls.