Costco fake email scam: how to detect it and what to do if you receive it

Electronic scams are a prevalent and ongoing issue. Many cybercriminals seek to take advantage of human innocence, or ignorance, often impersonating companies or organizations to gather data or gain access to bank accounts through Trojan-type programs after the user clicks on a link that facilitates this process.

Costco scam: be alert

One of the latest groups affected by this wave of scams is that of Costco customers. Some customers of the supply chain giant have been receiving messages from a fake email that attempts to disguise itself as an official company communication. A customer of over 10 years shared his recent experience.

Michael Brown, a veteran customer of the retailer, received an email stating that his membership had expired and needed to be renewed. This struck him as odd because he usually opts for automatic renewal of this membership service. Nevertheless, he believed it could be a genuine email and that it might be a mistake on his behalf or an issue with his subscription.

Watch for Costco’s official email domain

Mr Brown, being very cautious and somewhat suspicious due to the large amount of personal data requested to supposedly just renew his membership, realized the potential scam. The email demanded personal details including bank account number, address and phone number. Several regions in California have alerted their citizens to similar emails linked to scams that exploit Costco’s membership system.

Regarding any scams that threaten the security of its customers, Costco has issued a statement warning that any email sent by the company will be from an address with the domain ‘@costco.com’. Otherwise, individuals should refrain from providing information or clicking on links embedded in the messages.