Exposing the top scams targeting Costco shoppers

Costco is a retail juggernaut that has won the hearts and wallets of millions of Americans. With its unbeatable combination of top-notch products and rock-bottom prices where you can find everything you need and more all under one roof, it’s no wonder that it’s the go-to destination for savvy shoppers.

Nevertheless, wherever there is a beloved destination, fraudsters will attempt to exploit it for their own gain. To safeguard its loyal customers, the giant retailer has issued alerts regarding several common scams that these criminals employ to deceive unsuspecting shoppers like you and me.

Let’s go through some of the most popular ones, so that you know what to look out for.

1. Avoid all fake emails

The Costco Executive membership is a great way to save money because you can earn an annual 2% reward on qualifying purchases at Costco. (Costco)

You may also have gotten emails in the past about winning a new product like a TV or gaming system, exclusive giveaways, or even asking you to take a survey. Make sure you are always checking the email address of the sender before you proceed in clicking any links or opening any attachments within these emails. Costco’s official email that it uses to send real messages is Costco@online.costco.com, so if the email that you’re opening doesn’t have that exact address, it’s likely a scam.

TIPS TO HELP YOU TELL IF AN ONLINE STORE IS REAL OR A SCAM

2. Watch out for fake websites

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4. Phony job interviews

Yes, you read that heading correctly. Scammers will even go as far as to send people emails about job interviews to work for Costco, even if you’ve never applied. They will ask for your employment information and other personal details in exchange for a job interview with the company. No company should be asking you for any personal information until you’ve already been hired, so if you’re receiving an email like this, it’s most certainly a scam.

Don’t click on any links sent to you this way, especially if they’re using urgent language trying to get you to act fast.

6. Special Covid-19 perks

Scammers have also tried convincing Costco customers of a so-called “Costco coronavirus stimulus package,” in which a person would become eligible for free perks for being a Costco member. There is no such thing as a Costco coronavirus stimulus package, and any message you receive about this, whether it’s via email or text message, is from a scammer.

There have been scammers in the past who try to trick people with fake Facebook ads. They will disguise themselves as workers or even CEOs of Costco claiming that they are celebrating a special anniversary with the company and then offer people items like food boxes from the store if they share, like, or comment on the post. Below is an example from Costco’s website of what these fake posts might look like.

Fake Costco posts will disguise themselves as workers or even CEOs of Costco claiming that they are celebrating a special anniversary with the company. (Costco)

OLDER AMERICANS ARE BEING TARGETED IN A MALVERTISING CAMPAIGN 

9. Fraudulent cart notifications

Have good antivirus software on all your devices.

Installing antivirus software will protect you from accidentally clicking malicious links that would install malware onto your devices. The software will also remove any existing malware from your devices. 

See my expert review of the best antivirus protection for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech.

See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft by visiting CyberGuy.com/IdentityTheft.