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The Newest Scam Targeting Sam's Club Members - Here's What to Watch For

Don't fall for these cons.

By Erica Loop , Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated June 3, 2026

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With over 600 clubs across the country, Sam's memberships are growing at a steady rate. And that means there is an increasing number of customers for scammers to target.

According to the Consumer Federation of America, Americans lose an estimated $119 billion total annually to online scams. While offers, emails, texts, and social media posts may seem legitimate, criminals often prey on unsuspecting shoppers, enticing them to give up confidential information such as bank account numbers, passwords, and more.

How can you scam-proof your warehouse club experience and get the most out of your Sam's membership? Keep reading for information on how to spot the newest scams.

Fake account issues email phishing scams

Like fishing, scammers use phishing tactics to lure in their prey. Instead of a worm, these criminals rely on spoofed websites and fake email signatures.

Phishing emails often look real. They may include an urgent message, telling you that your account or credit card was compromised or Sam's could lock you out if you don't take action immediately. The email may also include what appears to be a legitimate link, ask you to enter your credit card/bank account, or ask you for your password. Never click on a link or provide sensitive information.

Don't trust a logo. Criminals can copy these, making emails and online correspondence appear authentic. If you're not sure whether an email is actually from Sam's or is a scam, the warehouse club suggests hovering your cursor over the email address. This could reveal the scammer's true identity.

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Phone scams using cloned Sam's Club numbers

The phone rings, and your caller ID says, "Sam's Club." While the number may look real, scammers can spoof these to trick unsuspecting consumers into revealing personal information.

In a recent Reddit post, one shopper reported receiving a supposed Sam's Club call and questioned the legitimacy of the number. Other users responded, "It's caller ID spoofing, and this was definitely a scam," and, "They have probably cloned the number to use as a scam to steal people's money. I no longer trust any number and will call a company back if they say I need to make any type of payment or change info."

Unrecognized orders from your account

You didn't order a giant inflatable raft or Christmas tree in July. So why does your Sam's Club account say you did? Scammers who steal your membership ID, user name, or password can place fake orders.

According to information from Sam's, if this happens, you should notify the club, immediately reset your password, and delete any saved payment methods. If there are unauthorized charges, contact your bank or credit card provider to file a dispute.

Fake messages from FEDEX, UPS, or USPS

An email or text pops up saying you have an order on the way from Sam's, or you missed a very important delivery. It provides a tracking number from FedEx, UPS, USPS, or another delivery service, along with a status link. Here's the problem: You didn't order anything and aren't expecting a package.

Don't click on the link/tracking number. You could give scammers access to your phone, computer, or personal information.

Welcome texts that look like they're from Sam's

Not a Sam's Club member? Signed up for a membership eons ago? Don't expect a text. Some scammers are sending welcome messages featuring a link for special savings and exclusive offers.

Fake survey offers

A survey may seem innocent, but scammers use the promise of a prize or monetary reward to get your financial and private information. Like other scams, these emails, texts, and social media posts may appear to come straight from Sam's. But a closer look reveals that the address is from an imposter.

Like other phishing emails, hover over the address before opening any message. If you've already opened it, never click on a link. Contact Sam's Club immediately to notify the retailer about the scam.

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Fake rewards offers

Who doesn't want to earn rewards? You use a cash-back or travel-points card to earn perks all the time. While Sam's Club may send legitimate emails informing customers about ways to earn rewards while they shop, you should never have to click a link or provide bank/credit card information to receive them.

Phony renewal emails

You just renewed your membership last month, but now you're getting messages saying it's time to renew again or that your automatic payment didn't process correctly. Even though you have a card listed as your preferred payment method, the email or text asks you to provide bank account information to avoid a membership lapse.

Redditor Purrogi shared, "Last week I got a scam email from what appeared to be Sam's Club telling me that my automatic membership renewal is almost done. They just need a credit card number." Instead of sharing your bank info, call Sam's Club and ask if the message is real.

Red flags

Telltale signs of a scam include misspellings of common words, odd grammar, requests for immediate action, and a threatening tone. Also, according to Sam's, a legitimate message won't ask for your secure information (bank account, credit card number, or password).

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Bottom line

In today's iffy economy, warehouse retailers make it easy to withstand financial downturns. Don't let a few bad actors scare you away from scoring significant savings at Sam's Club.

Even though scammers con consumers with polished prose and urgent official-sounding alerts, smart shoppers know how to avoid these traps. Not sure what to do if you think a scammer is targeting you? Contact Sam's Club and your bank ASAP. You can also report online and retail fraud to the Federal Trade Commission or your state's Attorney General's Consumer Fraud Division.

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