Costco wants you to know that scammers may have you in their sights.
The warehouse retailer has issued warnings about scams to help you avoid throwing away money with these fraudsters who are using the Costco name to try to steal your cash or identity.
Not everyone who says they are sending you a note from Costco actually represents the retailer. So, before you click on links or respond to emails, watch for the following scams that Costco wants you to be aware of.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco.
New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!
If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.
Fake (and not secure) websites
If you click the wrong link, you may end up at a website that appears to be Costco but really isn’t.
So, it’s a good idea to double-check the URL in the address bar and make sure you are really at the Costco site before you start shopping online and hand over your credit card information.
Other sites might look like Costco sites, but the web address will tell you whether they are legitimate or not. Also, look for the “s” in “https.” This reveals whether you are on a secure site.
Exclusive giveaways
You may receive an email from a company claiming to be Costco inviting you to an exclusive giveaway. The message will likely tell you to “click here” or have a similar message.
Be careful, as such a giveaway is not likely to be from Costco and may just be part of a phishing scam to get your information.
Fake job interview
Costco won’t send you an email or message inviting you to a job interview if you haven’t applied to be a part of the company.
Be wary of giving anyone your employment information or other data in exchange for an interview. If you want more confirmation of whether the offer is legitimate, call your local Costco to confirm that it didn’t send you the note.
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1
Text surveys
In addition to emails, scammers may also attempt to send you texts to try and get information from you.
Don’t follow any links to surveys from texts you receive. It’s better to delete them and not engage with the scammers.
Executive member rewards emails
A great Costco hack is to bump up your membership to an Executive level. It might cost you more money, but the 2% annual reward you get from Costco can help you make back that expense.
However, if you have this type of membership, remember that your reward certificate will always be mailed with your annual renewal notice and is only sent to the primary member.
Any other type of contact — text or email, for example — should make you suspicious.
Trending Stories
Emails about winning a television
Did you get an email from Costco telling you that you’ve won a television? It’s probably too good to be true.
Don’t give scammers the information they ask for when they demand it so you can allegedly collect your “winnings.”
COVID-19 freebies
Ignore a text or email from Costco letting you know about freebies you are eligible for in connection with a coronavirus stimulus package.
There is no such thing as a Costco coronavirus stimulus package.
Postal service scam
You may get an official-looking email from the U.S. Postal Service telling you that they were unable to deliver a package from Costco and you need to submit a redelivery request.
Do not fill out the form regardless of whether you are expecting a Costco delivery or not. Instead, contact Costco directly to confirm any potential issues.
Email surveys
Like text surveys, email surveys rely on your clicking a link to take you to another site where you fill out some information.
And like a text survey, these email surveys are also scams. Remember not to click on any links that don’t come directly from Costco.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Social media offers
Some scammers try to use social media sites like Facebook to pull you into their scams. Perhaps they ask you to follow them on Facebook and click on links on their pages that look like official Costco pages.
Just skip these links and go directly to Costco’s official website at Costco.com to find out about deals in your area, or sales that the warehouse retailer is running.
Direct deposit scams
These Costco scams may show up as texts on your phone asking you to connect your credit card to Costco for instant cash-back rewards.
This scam is used to try and access your bank account or get information like your account number or credit card number.
Don’t click the link or give any information like that to a website, as the message likely is not from Costco.
Redeem your gift card
Yes, Costco does have Shop Cards that you can give as gifts. Or, you might earn one of these cards if you use Costco for other things, such as booking a vacation.
But Costco won’t send you anything telling you to redeem your gift card promptly. If you want to spend your card, make sure it’s only on Costco’s website or at one of the warehouse retailer’s locations.
Bottom line
If you get an email or text that is allegedly from Costco but that appears suspicious, be careful. In particular, watch out for any of the scams on this list.
For example, it’s a good idea to go directly to Costco’s website instead of clicking on links you get from emails that might be too good to be true. Doing so can keep more money in your bank account and protect your identity.
A little caution can go a long way toward preventing you from becoming caught up in a scam.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.
Author Details