North Country Assemblyman Marc W. Butler (R-Newport) says he has received a number of reports from constituents that they were being targeted by an IRS scam.

The Internal Revenue Service does not contact taxpayers by phone to solicit personal details, nor ask for immediate payment. The IRS also does not threaten individuals with law enforcement action due to supposed unpaid taxes, according to a news release from Butler’s office.

Butler’s office said he emphasizes the importance of keeping personal information, such as a Social Security Number, financial or any other private details from unknown individuals, even if they say they are calling from a legitimate organization such as the IRS. The IRS estimates that this scam has cost nearly 4,550 victims more than $23 million, according to Butler’s office.

“Lately, crooks have been posing as the IRS and demanding payment from innocent people in order to avoid arrest,” Butler said in a news release. “I encourage my constituents to be vigilant and to never give out personal or financial information to these criminals. And as always, my district office is here to help if you are uncertain of suspicious calls.”

Those who feel that they have been a victim of these phone call scams can contact their local police department. More information is at www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety or www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml. If constituents are unsure of where to start, they may call Butler’s district office at 315-866-1632.

Butler represents the 118th Assembly District. It covers a portion that runs through the middle of St. Lawrence County, from the Clifton-Fine area up to Norfolk and Stockholm. It extends south into Hamilton, Herkimer and Fulton counties, plus parts of Oneida County.