Costco ‘Free $75 Coupon Per Family’ Facebook Scam [Explained]

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scams have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age, with fraudsters constantly devising new ways to deceive unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained traction in recent years is the Costco ‘Free $75 Coupon Per Family’ Facebook scam. This deceptive scheme preys on the trust and popularity of the Costco brand to trick users into divulging personal information or downloading malicious software. In this article, we will delve into the details of this scam, how it works, what to do if you have fallen victim, and provide valuable insights to help you stay safe online.

Scams

What is the Costco ‘Free $75 Coupon Per Family’ Facebook Scam?

The Costco ‘Free $75 Coupon Per Family’ Facebook scam is a fraudulent scheme that targets users on the popular social media platform, Facebook. The scam typically involves a post or advertisement claiming that Costco is giving away free $75 coupons to every family as a way to celebrate a special occasion or anniversary. The post often includes an enticing image of the coupon, making it appear legitimate and appealing to users.

However, the reality is that this offer is nothing more than a ploy to deceive users and steal their personal information or infect their devices with malware. The scammers behind this scheme aim to exploit the trust and reputation of the Costco brand to trick users into taking actions that compromise their online security.

How Does the Scam Work?

The Costco ‘Free $75 Coupon Per Family’ Facebook scam operates through various tactics designed to manipulate users into falling for the scheme. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how the scam typically unfolds:

  1. The scam begins with a post or advertisement on Facebook claiming that Costco is offering free $75 coupons to every family.
  2. The post often includes an image of the coupon, making it appear authentic and enticing.
  3. Users who are interested in the offer are instructed to click on a link or visit a website to claim their coupon.
  4. Upon clicking the link, users are redirected to a website that mimics the official Costco website, complete with logos and branding to appear legitimate.
  5. Users are then prompted to provide personal information, such as their name, address, phone number, and email address, as part of the coupon redemption process.
  6. After submitting their personal information, users may be asked to complete additional tasks, such as sharing the offer with friends or downloading a file.
  7. At this point, the scammers have successfully obtained the user’s personal information, which can be used for identity theft or sold on the dark web.
  8. In some cases, users may also unknowingly download malware or malicious software onto their devices, compromising their security and privacy.

It is important to note that Costco is not involved in this scam in any way. The company has issued statements warning customers about these fraudulent offers and advising them to be cautious and vigilant when encountering such promotions.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the Costco ‘Free $75 Coupon Per Family’ Facebook scam, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and minimize the potential damage. Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Change your passwords: Start by changing the passwords for all your online accounts, especially if you provided any login credentials during the scam.
  2. Scan your device for malware: Run a thorough scan of your device using reliable antivirus software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to detect and remove any malicious software that may have been installed.
  3. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorized transactions to your financial institution immediately.
  4. Be cautious of phishing attempts: Scammers may use the information they obtained from you to launch phishing attacks. Be wary of any unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal information or directing you to unfamiliar websites.
  5. Report the scam: Report the scam to the appropriate authorities, such as your local law enforcement agency and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This helps in raising awareness and potentially preventing others from falling victim to the same scam.

Technical Details of the Scam

The Costco ‘Free $75 Coupon Per Family’ Facebook scam utilizes various techniques to deceive users and evade detection. Here are some technical details of the scam:

  • URL manipulation: The scammers often create URLs that closely resemble the official Costco website, using slight variations or misspellings to trick users into believing they are on a legitimate site.
  • Social engineering: The scam relies on social engineering tactics to manipulate users into taking specific actions, such as providing personal information or downloading files. The use of enticing images and urgent language increases the likelihood of users falling for the scheme.
  • Malware distribution: In some cases, the scam may involve the distribution of malware or malicious software. This can be achieved through the download of files or by redirecting users to websites that automatically install malware onto their devices.

Statistics on Online Scams

The Costco ‘Free $75 Coupon Per Family’ Facebook scam is just one example of the numerous online scams that exist today. Here are some statistics that highlight the prevalence and impact of online scams:

  • In 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received over 2.2 million reports of fraud, resulting in a total loss of $3.3 billion for consumers.
  • Phishing attacks, which often serve as the initial stage for many scams, increased by 220% in 2020 compared to the previous year.
  • According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), the total losses from reported scams and fraud in 2020 exceeded $4.2 billion.
  • Scammers often target popular brands and companies to lend credibility to their schemes. In 2020, Amazon was the most impersonated brand in phishing attacks, followed by Microsoft and PayPal.

Summary

The Costco ‘Free $75 Coupon Per Family’ Facebook

How to Stay Safe Online

Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:

  1. Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.

    Shield Guide

    It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.

  2. Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.

    updates-guide

    Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.

  3. Be careful when installing programs and apps.

    install guide

    Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."

  4. Install an ad blocker.

    Ad Blocker

    Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.

  5. Be careful what you download.

    Trojan Horse

    A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.

  6. Be alert for people trying to trick you.

    warning sign

    Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.

  7. Back up your data.

    backup sign

    Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.

  8. Choose strong passwords.

    lock sign

    Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.

  9. Be careful where you click.

    cursor sign

    Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.

  10. Don't use pirated software.

    Shady Guide

    Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.

To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.

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