Costco scam texts, emails and surveys: how to spot the fake gift offer
Quick answer
Messages offering a Costco gift card or travel credit for a survey are scams. Costco says these offers aren't from Costco Wholesale. Don't click links or share details, and report the message at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Comes by
- Text, Email, Phone call
- Pretends to be
- Costco
- Last updated
How it works
Scammers pretend to be Costco and offer a reward: a $500 gift card or travel credit for a quick survey, or a cut-price travel package. Costco lists these among its known scams, along with fake cart notifications and "redeem your gift card" messages.
The link leads to a form that collects your personal or card details. The FTC says unexpected texts from companies like Costco about a survey or freebie are not from them.
Red flags
- A surprise gift card or prize for a survey
- A link in an unexpected text or email
- A sender address that doesn't end in Costco's domain
- A request for personal or card details to claim a reward
- A deadline to claim
Example message
Costco: You've been selected to receive a $500 gift card. Complete this short survey to claim: [link]
What to do
- 1
Don't click or reply
Delete the message and don't open any link.
- 2
Check with Costco
Go to Costco's site yourself and check its currently known scams page.
- 3
If you entered card details, call your card issuer
Use the number on the back of your card and ask to cancel the card.
- 4
If you shared personal details, update passwords
Change passwords you reuse and consider a credit freeze.
- 5
Report it
Report to the FTC.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
These offers go out in bulk, but scammers use lists with names and contact details collected from brokers and breaches. Serus finds the data brokers and people-search sites that list you and removes you from them, and alerts you when your details show up in a breach, so fewer scammers can build a convincing message about you.
Common Costco scams
Frequently asked
Is Costco behind these messages?
No. Costco says these offers are not from Costco Wholesale. Scammers are using its name.
Does Costco text for surveys?
The FTC says an unexpected text about a survey or freebie claiming to be from Costco is not from them.
Where can I check current Costco scams?
Costco keeps a currently known scams page on its customer service site.
Sources
Something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we'll re-check it.
