There Is No Such Thing As Free Money - Even At Costco
By: Jim Stickley and Tina Davis
November 20, 2019
Yep, it is indeed a scam. If you see a notification shared on social media or elsewhere purporting to be from Costco that nets you a voucher worth $75 at the warehouse, don’t take that bait. Costco posted clarification on its Facebook page that it is indeed a scam and though the company loves its customers, it is not giving away a voucher or any kind of coupon in that amount.
Always watch out for scams like these, but they are particularly prevalent during the holiday shopping season. Look out for an increase later in November all the way through the new year. They aren’t just limited to Costco, but other retailers—even the small ones—are used as bait.
Social media, particularly Facebook is a popular spot to see such things, so pay attention to what you’re clicking on. Instead of clicking an intriguing ad, consider going directly the store’s website instead by typing the name in the browser. Just be careful not to mistype and find yourself at a malicious website. Domain jacking, also known as typosquatting, is also likely to be on the upswing this season, so double check those URLs before entering any information, especially payment card details.
Enjoy shopping online any time of year, but always be on alert for scams in your social media news feeds and any websites you visit. While most are likely legitimate, there are still many that are just there to separate you from your money or your information.