BUTLER TWP — Township and state police are warning residents to be aware of telephone calls from scammers claiming to be with the IRS.

The scammers demand payments from a taxpayer or they say a police officer will come to their home and arrest the person.

These kinds of false call have been made to dozens and dozens of Butler County residents this week.

Police said it is not the policy of the IRS to make contact by phone for any issues, including unpaid taxes or fines.

“This has been a problem since last spring,” said Chief John Hayes on Wednesday. “Today, on last count, we’ve received 30 calls.”

Hayes said his department typically receives a few calls per day from residents reporting scam calls.

Trooper Ron Keston said state police in the township also received a spike in calls on Wednesday from other parts of the county.

“It reached into the hundreds,” he said, adding he doesn’t believe any of the victims gave away personal information or were swindled out of money.

Hayes said there is little the police can do about the calls, as the scammers are most likely not from the area.

“More likely than not the calls are spoofed, and the caller is from out of the country somewhere,” he said.

Police warn residents never to provide any personal information to any unknown individuals, including birth dates, social security numbers and bank account information.