Cuyahoga County residents are reporting scams in which they are being asked to download or install remote-access programs on their computers. These programs can allow scammers to gain full control of your computer and access accounts.

Scammers use many tactics to target consumers, including pretending to be from a bank or government agency, creating pop-up virus warnings or contacting consumers searching online for computer help or loans.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Block pop-ups on your computer to keep scammers from scaring you into contacting them.
• If you’re worried about an account, contact the company through a known number or site (from a bill, for example).
• Hang up if someone tells you that you have a problem and need to download a remote access program on your computer to fix it.

Learn more on our Internet Safety page.