5 Ways Fraudsters Attack Costco Members -- Avoid These Scams
Shopping at Costco can save you money on everything from food and electronics to vacation packages and home services. Unfortunately, you could also end up losing money or having personal information misused if you fall for the many scams that target members of the popular warehouse chain.
Whether it's an email, text, website or online ad, you must be cautious about what you respond to. Here are five Costco scams to recognize and avoid at all costs.
Consider This: 5 Ways To Protect Your Finances From New AI Scams
For You: 5 Signs You’re Losing Money Every Month — and How To Find the Leaks
1. Imposter Costco Websites
Whether you clicked a link or found it on the search results, you might land on a website that closely resembles Costco's and advertises special sales. However, if you check the URL, you'll see something other than Costco.com. Rather than placing an order on such scam sites and potentially losing money, navigate directly to the Costco website to shop.
2. Giveaway and Special Offer Scams
Some scammers send emails or texts or post social media ads directing you to take a Costco survey or enter a sweepstakes. They often claim you'll win a gift card, TV, loyalty award or some mystery prize. Even Costco's website cautions that these offers are scams, and a close look could verify the sender or website isn't the retailer. Don't respond or give any information.
3. Fake Costco Membership Emails
Fake Costco member emails come from scammers who might want your login information. You may be prompted to click a link to renew your membership, redeem a reward, confirm an order or view special Costco deals. The sender could have an unusual email address or trick you with a spoofed Costco address. The safest move is to check your Costco account for any updates and ignore suspicious requests.
4. Package Delivery Scams
The scammer actually claims to be the United States Postal Service rather than Costco with this scheme. It can involve a text or email about an issue delivering a Costco package, which you might have not even ordered. It could ask you to log in to a fake Costco website to update your address, which results in the scammer having your account details. Your order's status on the warehouse chain's real website would indicate any real issues, so check there if in doubt about any communications you receive regarding deliveries.
5. Costco Job Scams
Fake jobs are popular scams that trick Costco shoppers. You might get a job interview email advertising an unusually high hourly rate for a Costco role. Another scheme impersonates the human resources department and offers you a job if you pay money first. Don't fall for these since Costco's website states you won't receive unsolicited employment offers or be charged a fee to get a job.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion: