Every day, phishers send about 3.4 billion scam emails. Because people trust Costco and want to
save even
more
money while shopping
It’s quite common for phishing attempts to masquerade as this popular brand.
The aim of phishing emails is to deceive you into clicking a link that takes you to a website with malicious software, or to coax you into sharing your personal details. If you receive a suspected Costco scam email—here’s guidance on recognizing it as spam and what actions to take.
What Action to Take If You Receive a Costco Scam Email
First and foremost: Avoid clicking on any links within a spam email! Refrain from opening or downloading any attachments as well. Additionally, do not respond to such messages, despite the urge to confront the sender. Responding to these phishing emails merely confirms for the fraudsters that your email account is operational, guaranteeing more unwanted communications will follow.
Next, inform Costco about the spam. The store maintains a record of this.
here is a list of current recognized cons
, and if you inform them about a new issue, you can assist in warning other consumers.
Ultimately, flag the email as spam. This aids your email filter in identifying unwanted messages more efficiently. Lastly, remove the email to ensure you do not inadvertently click the link at a later time.
What does a Costco email scam typically appear as?
Similar to numerous email scams, the counterfeit Costco messages simply
feel
Dismiss this advice. The email could appear messy, featuring crude designs or missing logos altogether. Watch out for spelling mistakes and poor grammar; these are clear indicators that the message hasn’t been reviewed closely by an editor or a professional marketing team. Fraudulent emails frequently use unusual greetings, like packing subject lines with too many formal titles (like Mr., Mrs.).
Always check the “From:” field. Scammers frequently mistype company names (often with just one wrong character) or include additional terms within the brand name. If you notice something like “sent from Costco through BigBuckSavers,” this indicates that the message is likely not genuine.
The most significant warning sign? Requests for your personal details or financial data. Scammers aim to obtain something from you, which is why their messages frequently include demands for passwords, identification info, credit card numbers, among others.
Often, they will attempt to scare you into action by suggesting there’s an immediate problem with your account. Alternatively, they might tempt you with something appealing—an offer of a complimentary product or reward—provided you follow their link. This isn’t how one saves wisely when shopping! By carefully reviewing these messages, you’ll hone your ability to spot spam.
Related:
- Is a Costco Subscription Worth It?
- Costco Membership Perks You May Be Unaware Of (But Ought To Know)
- All Costco Food Court Items, Ranked
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