Eager to take advantage of Costco’s low prices and bulk buys, some shoppers may be falling victim to scams.
Here’s a list of the most common scams targeting Costco members and how to avoid them. Be sure to read up before your next trip to Costco!
Costco Scams In [currentyear]
Many Costco scams are going around that target shoppers for fraud in [currentyear]. Often scammers contact shoppers via text or email and direct them to fake Costco websites. Once the shopper is on the website, they are asked to provide sensitive information like credit card numbers that the criminals will later use.
Keep reading for a complete list of the Costco scams to watch out for and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim!
1. Fraudulent Website
One of the most common Costco scams is a fraudulent website that looks very similar to the actual Costco website.
Often, this fake website will offer great deals on membership or products in an attempt to get your personal information.
If you’re not careful, you could give these scammers your credit card number or other sensitive information.
2. Fraudulent Cart Notification
Another common Costco scam is a fraudulent notification that pops up on your screen, usually when shopping on the Costco website.
This notification will claim that your cart is full and you need to check out soon in an attempt to rush you into giving your personal information.
3. Fraudulent Autumn Giveaway Email
Another common scam at Costco is receiving an email claiming that you’ve won a free Costco Autumn Giveaway.
Further, criminals make these emails look like they come from Costco, but they are fakes trying to get your personal information.
4. Fraudulent Facebook Offer
Scammers will sometimes create fake Facebook pages or posts, offering free Costco memberships or other prizes.
Typically, these offers are too good to be true, and if you click on them, you’ll either be taken to a fraudulent website or asked to enter your personal information.
5. Fraudulent Survey Text
Another scam targeting Costco members is a fraudulent text message claiming that you’ve been selected to participate in a survey.
Additionally, this survey will supposedly give you the chance to win a $500 Costco gift card you will never receive.
6. Fraudulent Satisfaction Survey
A variation of the survey scam is the fraudulent satisfaction survey, where you’ll receive an email or text claiming that you’ve been chosen to participate in a customer satisfaction survey.
In the survey text, shoppers are asked questions about their recent experience at Costco, and at the end, they’ll supposedly have the chance to win a $100 gift card.
However, this is another phishing scam.
7. Texts Regarding Loyalty Reward
Shoppers may receive a text message claiming that they’ve been selected to participate in a survey about a new Costco loyalty rewards program.
However, the scam’s goal is to collect your personal information so they can sell it to third-party companies.
8. Overcharge Reimbursement Texts
Recently, there’s been a scam where people receive text messages claiming that Costco will reimburse them for an overcharge on their credit card.
Although the texts look like they’re from Costco, they’re actually from scammers trying to get your personal information.
9. Free Television
A scam that’s been going around is an offer for free television, supposedly from Costco. But, although this offer looks legitimate, it’s a scam designed to collect your personal information.
There’s been a scam where people receive text messages or emails claiming they can sign up for a Costco coronavirus stimulus package.
However, scammers use the data for fraud after providing your private information.
11. Exclusive Giveaway
You may receive an email or see a pop-up notification claiming that you can enter to win a $1000 Costco gift card.
Further, to enter the giveaway, shoppers will be asked for their personal information, such as their name, address, and phone number.
12. Fake Interview Confirmation
There’s been a scam where people receive emails claiming they’ve been selected for a job interview at Costco.
However, the email will ask you to confirm your interview time and provide your personal information.
13. Fraudulent Executive Rewards Redemption
Another scam sends shoppers emails or text messages claiming they can redeem their executive rewards points for a free vacation.
Again, the message will ask you to provide your personal information, such as your name, address, and phone number.
How Do Shoppers Avoid Costco Scams?
Some of the steps shoppers can take to avoid being scammed at Costco are:
- Never give out your personal information to someone you don’t know.
- Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
- If you receive an unsolicited offer, whether by email, text message or in person, don’t respond. Instead, report it to customer service at Costco (costco_customerservice@costco.com).
- Only buy from authorized Costco vendors. You can check with customer service if you’re unsure if a vendor is authorized.
- Check your statements regularly and immediately report unauthorized charges to your credit card company or bank.
- Always ensure you’re on the legitimate Costco website before entering personal information. You can do this by checking the URL – it should always start with ‘https://www.costco.com.’
- Be wary of any emails or ads that redirect you to a different website, even if it looks like the real thing.
To know more, you can also read our posts on what does Costco stand for, Costco hiring process, and Costco complaints.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many scams targeting Costco members. These are just some of the most common scams targeting Costco members.
Therefore, be sure to stay alert and never provide your personal information to anyone unless you are sure they are legitimate.
If you ever have any doubts, you can always contact Costco customer service for help. Be sure to read up on these scams before your next trip to Costco so that you can avoid them!
