The FBI is aware of “offensive and racist” text messages that several black people in several states said they received. The texts, sent Wednesday November 6, the following day Election Dayasked them to prepare to go to a plantation and pick cotton.

Sam Burwell, a black man and photographer for the local Virginia newspaper 13News nowsaid he received a message greeting him by name and telling him that he had been “selected to pick cotton on the nearest plantation.” The text message told him to be ready at noon with his belongings and that he would be picked up in a brown van. The message also stated that he would be searched once he arrived and informed Burwell that he was part of the W Plantation Group.

Burwell told the outlet he knows of others who have received the same message, including a cousin who lives in Richmond, Virginia.

The FBI released a statement on robotexts via its websitestating that it “is aware of offensive and racist text messages sent to individuals across the country and is in contact with the Department of Justice and other federal authorities regarding this matter.”

“As always, we encourage members of the public to report threats of physical violence to local law enforcement authorities,” the federal agency added.

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares’ office also condemned the text message, telling 13News Now in a statement: “The Attorney General’s Office is aware of these text messages and unequivocally condemns them. Anyone who feels threatened should not hesitate to contact local justice. law enforcement and their local FBI office by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (or 1-800-225-5324) or visiting FBI.gov/tips“.

Similar messages were reportedly sent to residents and students of Indiana, Ohio, MichiganNorth Carolina and South Carolina. Although the wording varied, the theme was the same.

Clemson University students also reported receiving the texts. University police said they were “actively investigating” the matter, WCNC reports.

The university added in part: “Based on available information, there is currently no indication of a credible threat to members of the Clemson community. CUPD takes all concerning communications reports seriously and s “committed to ensuring the safety of the university community.”

Black students at the University of Alabama and Samford University published on social networks about receiving similar messages. Samford University President Beck Taylor said AL.com that the college is aware of “despicable and disgusting behavior, including the use of racial slurs, abusive language, and other hateful content to demean beloved members of our community.”

Those who receive the message are urged to report it to authorities immediately. The North Carolina Attorney General’s Office told WCNC it was “working with federal and industry partners to investigate the source.” The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office told WCNC that it has not received reports on the texts and that if it does, the reports would be forwarded to the Department of Justice since the state has not no hate crime law.

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It’s not clear who is sending the text messages, but many of them appear to be aimed at black students.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Virginia Attorney General’s Office and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office for comment.