Scammers make harassing calls to residents

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Scammers are making harassing, threatening phone calls trying to get money from residents, and if you don't send them what they want, they keep on calling, hundreds or thousands of times.  

I-Team 8 has been investigating.  

"The phone calls began last Wednesday from a man with a heavy accent identifying himself as William Johnson,” says Kelli Jack.

"He calls and threatens bodily harm if you don't pay money," she says.

Kelli knew something was wrong when William Johnson wouldn't stop calling. 

"He called between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. He called over a thousand times. 800 yesterday," says Jack. 

He claimed he was with the U.S. Investigation Department. Jack recorded a couple of calls. 

One starts, "Kelli, this is William Johnson with the U.S. Investigation Department," and goes on to say, "I strongly suggest you call me back on my direct number, before I start legal action against you. And you find yourself in big legal trouble." 

24-Hour News 8 called William Johnson to find out why Jack was in legal trouble.

A man saying he was William Johnson said, "she took a loan and she's trying to run away with the loan amount. A pay day loan." 

Jack never had a loan. 

About a year ago, her identity was stolen. She thinks that's how Johnson got her information. 

When 24-Hour News 8 asked Johnson how he got her phone number he said, "The company has given it to me." 

When asked the name of the company that gave the information to him, he said, "Midland Marketing"

If you search for Midland Marketing online it is easy to see the scam isn't new. Postings telling about the phone scam that has hit Kelli Jack go back to 2008.

If you get harassing phone calls like Jack, first call police. Then call your phone company – they are familiar with the problem and can help. 

Residents can also change their phone number. 

Filing a complaint with the Attorney General is recommended. Johnson says he's done bothering Jack.  

"I won't call her anymore. She will not get a call from my number," he told 24-Hour News 8. 

Johnson said despite the way it sounds, the U.S. Department of Investigation is not part of the Federal Government. 

He says it's a collection agency. 24-Hour News 8 could not find any such company.