Costco warns of fake coupon being circulated online

A fake $75 Costco coupon is the latest hoax to make the rounds online.

The members-only bulk supplies store issued a post on their Facebook page Tuesday warning customers about a coupon being shared on the social media site.

“Despite several posts out there, Costco is NOT giving away $75 coupons,” it read. “While we love our fans and our members, this offer is a SCAM, and in no way affiliated with Costco. Thanks to our fans for letting us know about this recurring hoax!”

The hoax being circulated on Facebook shows an image of a $75 coupon that claims to be available in Canada and the U.S. only. Below is a website url not affiliated with the company and a headline that reads: “Costco is giving Free $75 Coupon Per family to celebrate its 50th Anniversary.” The link sends users to a website that solicits personal information and instructs them to share the post on Facebook in order to redeem the fake coupon.

The multinational big box chain is a frequent target for scams, so much so that it has a page on its website detailing how to prevent fraud. The brand has been linked to all types of hoaxes, both online and through traditional mail. Some include emails with fake job offers that require a processing fee, pop-ups that ask for personal information, and fake cheques that solicit funds in order to cash in for a larger amount.

There are a few key ways to avoid being defrauded by online scams and hoaxes:

• Don’t share personal information online or over e-mail;

• Don’t click on links that offer something too good to be true, like a free holiday, coupon or gift card;

• Install anti-virus and anti-malware software, spam filters and a firewall on your computer;

• Know your website host and internet and e-mail providers, along with the systems these services use when they need to contact you.