The Costco ‘Samsung QLED 8K Smart TV’ email scam is a phishing scam designed to steal personal and financial information from victims. This article will provide an in-depth look at how the scam works, how to spot and avoid it, what to do if you fall victim, and frequently asked questions.
What is the Costco ‘Samsung QLED 8K Smart TV’ Email Scam?
The Samsung QLED 8K TV email scam pretends to be from Costco, claiming the recipient has been selected to receive a free Samsung QLED 8K Smart TV. The scam email contains Costco branding and graphics to appear legitimate.
The email states the recipient simply needs to complete a survey to claim their free TV. However, the survey is designed to steal personal and financial information. The scam takes advantage of people’s desire to get something for free.
How the Costco ‘Samsung QLED 8K Smart TV’ Scam Works
The scam starts with an unsolicited email sent to the victim’s inbox. The email is made to look like an official correspondence from Costco, featuring company logos and branding. The message congratulates the recipient, stating they have been selected to receive a free Samsung QLED 8K Smart TV.
To claim the supposed free TV, the email instructs the victim to complete a short survey. This survey asks for personal details like your name, address, phone number, and email address. It also requests credit card information, under the guise of needing to process a small shipping and handling fee.
Eager to claim their free prize, many recipients end up completing the survey and submitting their personal data. However, after handing over their information, victims never receive the promised free TV. The reason is because there was no TV being given away in the first place. The scam survey was just a way to illegally obtain people’s personal and financial details.
With the stolen information now in hand, the scammers either use it themselves for activities like identity theft or sell it on the black market. The victim usually doesn’t realize their data has been compromised until they notice fraudulent charges on their credit card statement or that some other form of identity theft has occurred. By then, it is too late and the scammers have already profited off their information.
The Costco Samsung TV scam takes advantage of consumer excitement over the prospect of getting a high-end 8K TV for free. But the reality is that these too-good-to-be-true offers are always a scam. Responding to unsolicited messages like this often ends up with criminals obtaining your private data. Being able to identify the red flags is key to avoiding falling victim.
How to Spot the Costco ‘Samsung QLED 8K Smart TV’ Email Scam
There are several red flags that can help identify this scam:
The email is unsolicited – you didn’t sign up for any Costco contest or promotion.
There are spelling and grammatical errors throughout the email.
The email address does not match an official Costco domain.
Hovering over links shows suspicious URLs unrelated to Costco.
Claims of free big ticket items like TVs are always suspicious.
High pressure tactics like “limited time offer” are used to get people to act quickly without thinking.
Strange payment requests for small fees via wire transfer or prepaid cards.
Poor image quality of logos and branding.
No phone number or physical address provided to contact them.
What to Do if You Get the Costco ‘Samsung QLED 8K Smart TV’ Scam Email
If you receive an email claiming you’ve won a free Samsung QLED 8K TV from Costco, here are important steps to take:
Do not click any links or open attachments in the email. These could contain malware.
Forward the scam email to phishing@costco.com so Costco can investigate it.
Report the scam email to your email provider’s abuse department.
Delete the scam email immediately.
If you already responded and entered personal information, contact your bank and credit card companies. Let them know your information was compromised and ask them to watch for suspicious activity.
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports with Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. This makes it harder for scammers to open new accounts in your name.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and IC3.gov so authorities are aware of the scam.
What to Do if You Already Fell for the Costco ‘Samsung QLED 8K Smart TV’ Scam
If you already responded to the email and entered your personal or financial details, take these steps right away:
Contact your bank and credit card companies. Report any fraudulent charges or activity. Cancel compromised cards and request new ones.
Change passwords on all of your online accounts, especially financial accounts that use the same password as what you entered on the scam site. Make the new passwords strong and unique.
Place a 90 day initial fraud alert on your credit reports to help prevent identity theft.
Monitor all bank and credit card statements closely for any unauthorized charges. Report any suspicious activity immediately.
Consider signing up for identity theft protection services to help monitor for misuse of your personal information.
File a report with your local police department regarding the identity theft. Get a copy of the police report.
Submit an ID theft affidavit to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov. This helps legally records the fraud.
Contact all three credit bureaus to put a freeze on your credit reports to block thieves from opening new accounts.
Be aware of future phishing attempts using your info. Ignore any calls or emails requesting personal info.
Is Your Device Infected? Scan for Malware
If your computer or phone is slow, showing unwanted pop-ups, or acting strangely, malware could be the cause. Running a scan with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is one of the most reliable ways to detect and remove harmful software. The free version can identify and clean common infections such as adware, browser hijackers, trojans, and other unwanted programs.
Malwarebytes works on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Choose your operating system below and follow the steps to scan your device and remove any malware that might be slowing it down.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes
Download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows using the official link below. Malwarebytes will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software for free.
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes)
Install Malwarebytes
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Once the scan completes, remove all detected threats. Your Windows computer should now be clean and running smoothly again, free of trojans, adware, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
After scanning, delete any detected threats. Your Mac should now be free from adware, unwanted extensions, and other potentially harmful software.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
When the scan is finished, remove all detected threats. Your Android phone should now be free of malicious apps, adware, and unwanted browser redirects.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
After cleaning your device, it’s important to protect it from future infections and annoying pop-ups. We recommend installing an ad blocker such as AdGuard. AdGuard blocks malicious ads, prevents phishing attempts, and stops dangerous redirects, helping you stay safe while browsing online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I try to claim the free TV?
Nothing will happen if you try to claim the free TV, because it does not exist. The claim form is only there to steal your personal and financial details. No TV will ever be sent.
Could this email really be from Costco?
No, this is a scam email and is not associated with Costco in any way. The scammers fake the Costco branding to appear legitimate.
Is this type of scam illegal?
Yes, phishing scams are illegal. Scammers can face fines or jail time if caught and convicted.
What do scammers do with my information?
Scammers use your personal info for activities like opening fraudulent credit cards or bank accounts in your name or selling your details on the dark web.
Can I get my money back if I paid them?
If you paid via credit card, you can request a chargeback from your credit card company to potentially get the money returned. If you paid another way, it is unlikely you will get the money back.
How did scammers get my email address?
Scammers buy or steal email address lists on the black market. They also use bots to scrape addresses online. Protecting your email address is important.
Could clicking links in the email infect my computer?
Yes, phishing scams frequently contain malware in links or attachments, hoping victims will click and infect their device. Never click on links or downloads in suspicious emails.
Is there anyway to stop these kinds of scams?
These scams may never stop entirely, but being aware of red flags and smart computing habits significantly reduces your risk of falling victim. Never let your guard down with unsolicited messages.
Final Thoughts
The Costco Samsung TV scam is designed to steal consumers’ personal and financial information by capitalizing on people’s desire for free tech products. Being able to recognize phishing scams is crucial. If you receive a suspicious offer, delete it immediately rather than engaging. If you did provide info, take steps quickly to prevent identity theft. Share awareness of these scams with family and friends to help protect them.
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
