Both the Redmond police and fire departments issued statements on scams and carbon-monoxide dangers this week, respectively.

Andrea Wolf-Buck, public information officer for the Redmond Police Department, said they had received information about an IRS scam that had conned at least one resident out of money.

Wolf-Buck said the victim received four calls from different numbers last week saying he owed the IRS money. The callers threatened him with arrest if he didn’t follow their instructions.

They directed him to go to specific stores and load up gift cards with $3,500, which he did, and gave the scammers the card numbers.

Wolf-Buck said it was unfortunate the victim followed their orders.

“You will never be asked to submit some sort of payment over the phone, and you will definitely not be asked to pay your taxes with any sort of gift card,” she said.

Law enforcement and federal agencies never request that people make payments over the phone.

Other past scams have included callers telling victims they represent their bank or a credit card agency. Residents should check with their banks directly as many if not all banks similarly do not request payment over the phone.

The police department also has a webpage giving advice on what to do if someone becomes a victim of identity theft.

This includes reporting the crime to the police, placing a fraud alert or freeze on credit reports, calling your bank and reporting the theft to the IRS.

Redmond police will additionally be hosting a fraud-prevention class from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 8 in the police training room located at 8701 160th Ave. N.E.

On another topic, a public safety announcement was issued on the Redmond Public Safety Facebook page.

Fire crews responded to call for smoke in a home and found a car that had been left running in the garage.

Carbon monoxide, a deadly gas found in exhaust, was measured at near toxic levels.

According to the post, if it had been at night with the family sleeping, it could have resulted in death or serious injury.

The post said one of the most common vehicles accidentally left running is hybrid electric cars since they can stay active if the keys are left in the vehicle. When the battery runs out, the car will switch to the engine to charge the battery.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas that can suffocate without warning.

Portable generators inside a house or garage can also emit the deadly gas.

The fire department recommends that residents install carbon-monoxide detectors throughout their homes.