Viral Costco Coupon Offer Is a Scam, Company Says

Big-Box Retailer Costco To Announce First Quarter Earnings

If you've been scrolling through your social media the last few days, you may have seen some friends or family members sharing a post that promised users a $75 Costco coupon as part of the company's effort to celebrate their anniversary. However, don't fall for it, it's all a massive scam, the company said on Tuesday.

The scammers offer customers the purported $75 Costco coupon if they complete several surveys and provide personal details, such as their name, address, and phone number, as well as share the post on Facebook. Customers are then led to sign up (and pay for) six "Reward Offers" that generally involve applying for a credit card or sign up for a paid subscription service.

However, the warehouse club chain said the whole thing is false and the company is not handing out free money.

"Despite several posts out there, Costco is NOT giving away $75 coupons. While we love our fans and our members, this offer is a SCAM, and in no way affiliated with Costco. Thanks to our fans for letting us know about this recurring hoax!" the company wrote on its Facebook page Tuesday evening.

The warehouse club offered these tips on its website to help prevent customers from falling victim to fraudulent scams like the fake $75 Costco coupon.

  • Never respond to emails that cannot be verified.
  • Never provide personal information via e-mail.
  • Contact the business by using legitimate phone numbers to verify the request.
  • Enter websites using your browser and not by clicking on provided links.
  • Be cautious of any solicitation requesting that you deposit a check or pay a fee to collect a prize, get a job, or cover vaguely described "costs."
  • Consider filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission and/or state attorney general's consumer protection office, or the FBI. Online complaints may be filed with the FTC at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/, and white collar crimes may be report to the FBI at https//www.ic3.gov/complaint/default.aspx.

Photo: Getty Images


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