Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Costco Mothers Day Event Scam - Protect Yourself
Costco Mothers Day Event Scam - Protect Yourself

There is a "Costco Mother's Day" scam currently circulating via text and social media, promising free gift cards, cash prizes, or exclusive gifts, but it is entirely fake. These phishing attacks use fraudulent links to steal personal data, spread malware, or force credit card input to pay for "shipping" on non-existent gifts.

How the Scam Works

  • The Lure: Fake links often claim to be a "Costco Mother’s Day Giveaway" or a "special survey" to win large sums of money or vouchers.
  • Method: Scammers use fake websites and social media posts, sometimes appearing to come from friends or family on apps like Messenger or WhatsApp.
  • The Danger: Clicking can expose your device to malware, while completing the "survey" steals personal information, such as passwords or banking details.
  • Costco's Stance: Costco does not conduct these types of giveaways or surveys requiring personal information for gifts.
  • Verification: Check the URL in your browser—scam sites often have strange addresses, such as "loporu" or other variations that are not costco.com.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Do not click links in unexpected texts or social media messages, even if they seem to come from a friend.
  • Delete the message immediately and inform the person who sent it that their account may be compromised.
  • Report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
  • Verify any special offers by visiting the official Costco website directly.
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