Some Gainesville residents have been getting unwanted phone calls -- and not just political robo-calls.
An unknown person has been calling Gainesville residents, telling them that their family member is being held hostage. The caller says if the family sends money, the alleged hostage will be released.
Two calls have been officially reported in the past month, officials say.
UF police has been working with the FBI to figure out who's making the calls.
Sergeant Kristy Maculan, an investigator for the UF police department, advises victims of this call to primarily remain calm.
She said do not give the caller and personal information or money. She said to contact the family member in question if another phone is available.
Maculan encouraged victims to tell local police if they receive such a call.