Costco is warning its customers to steer clear of a scam online that is falsely promising Costco members a $75 coupon.
"Despite several posts out there," Costco wrote on its Facebook page, "Costco is NOT giving away $75 coupons. While we love our fans and our members, this offer is a SCAM, and in no way affiliated with Costco."
According to Snopes, a self-described internet "fact-checking resource", the scam began circulating on Facebook to celebrate Costco's anniversary.
"A survey scam was spread via Facebook purporting to offer free $75 Costco coupons in celebration of the company’s anniversary to users who clicked particular links and then followed the instructions found there," Snopes David Mikkelson wrote.
Facebook users who clicked on the survey were then asked to provide personal information including their full name, date of birth, email, and phone number.
They were also promoted to fill out a number of surveys, and finally asked to "sign up (and commit to paying) for at least six 'Reward Offer' that usually involve applying for a credit card or signing up for some sort of paid subscription service," according to the Snopes report.
