They're back. Are you prepared for the latest technology scams?

Tech scams they’re back and with a vengeance. So much so that tech companies, cybersecurity experts and the Federal Trade Commission have issued alerts and reports.

Cyble Research and Intelligence Labs, a cybersecurity firm, recently reported that since last month they had identified 50 new tech phishing websites targeting consumers. The report points out that 85% of the sites originate in India.

The FTC released an alert regarding scammers posing as representative of Best Buy’s Geek Squad. In one of its blog posts Microsoft reports that tech scams “adapt and persist."

Given the cyclical nature of scams I’m not surprised to see the resurgence. Scams are here today gone tomorrow – but not forever, that is as long as there is profit in the scheme.

Little has changed with the scam except perhaps timing. It appears to be a good time for scammers to begin running this one again.

More:Cybersecurity month is the perfect time to change your passwords

As a refresher, on tech scams, a couple things usually happen. While happily surfing the internet a screen pops-up blaring a loud noise notifying you that your computer has been infected with a virus and you must act now to prevent further damage.

On the screen there is a number to call and a warning not to turn your machine off.

That number is to the cyber criminal who wants access to your computer and your money. The cost for the crook to help usually runs between $200 and $400.

The second thing that could happen is you get a call from someone posing as a representative from Microsoft who explains they have identified a problem with your computer, but don’t worry, they are here to help.

Whether you make the call to the number provided in the pop-up or answer an incoming call you are putting your computer and your sensitive personal and financial information at risk.

According to the Cyble report there is one slight variant to the scam. The con artists have added a measure of fear into the mix. The victims are being told that their computer has been blocked to due to illegal activity. The rest of the game is the same.

The Geek Squad scam is a fake renewal notice scheme. According to the FTC in their alert, “You get a text message or email that says you were or will be charged hundreds of dollars to renew your Geek Squad membership. If you want to dispute the charge or cancel your membership, the message says you must call a phone number within 24 hours.”

Some of these imposters are after access to your computer where they can download malware steal your online banking credentials and drain money from your bank account.

Additionally, the FTC says, “The scammers will ask for banking information to refund your money, then fake a transaction and make it look like they accidentally refunded you too much. To pay them back, they tell you to buy gift cards and give them the gift card numbers and PINs.”

If you become a victim, what should you do?

If you paid with a credit or debit card. Contact the company or bank that issued card. Tell them it was a fraudulent charge. Ask them to reverse the transaction and give you your money back.

Was there an unauthorized transfer from your bank account? Contact your bank and tell them you’ve been scammed.

You paid with a gift card? Contact the company that issued the gift card. Tell them it was used in a scam. Ask for a refund. Keep the gift card itself, and the gift card receipt.

If you sent cash by U.S. mail, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 and ask them to intercept the package. To learn more about this process, visit USPS Package Intercept: The Basics.

If you gave the scammer access to your computer. Update your computer’s security software, run a scan, and delete anything it identifies as a problem.

Also check your credit card, bank, and other financial accounts for unauthorized charges or changes. If you see any, report them to the company or institution. Then go to IdentityTheft.gov to see what steps you should take.

Dennis Horton is director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: They're back. Are you prepared for the latest technology scams?