Costco ‘Free Voucher’ Facebook Giveaway Scam [Explained]

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Written by: Stelian Pilici

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Scams have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age, with scammers constantly finding new ways to exploit unsuspecting individuals. One such scam that has gained traction in recent years is the Costco ‘Free Voucher’ Facebook giveaway scam. This deceptive scheme preys on the trust and excitement of users, enticing them with the promise of free vouchers in exchange for their personal information. 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 Voucher’ Facebook Giveaway Scam?

The Costco ‘Free Voucher’ Facebook giveaway scam is a fraudulent scheme that aims to trick users into divulging their personal information, such as their name, address, phone number, and email address. Scammers create fake Facebook pages or posts that mimic the official Costco page, using enticing language and imagery to attract users. These posts often claim that Costco is giving away free vouchers worth a significant amount of money, such as $100 or $200, to a limited number of lucky winners.

Once users click on the post or page, they are directed to a website that appears to be affiliated with Costco. The website prompts users to fill out a form with their personal information in order to claim their free voucher. However, this is where the scam comes into play. The scammers behind the scheme collect the personal information provided by users and can use it for various malicious purposes, such as identity theft, phishing attacks, or selling the information to other criminals on the dark web.

How Does the Scam Work?

The Costco ‘Free Voucher’ Facebook giveaway scam operates through a series of steps designed to deceive users and extract their personal information. Let’s take a closer look at how the scam typically unfolds:

  1. Creation of Fake Facebook Pages or Posts: Scammers create fake Facebook pages or posts that closely resemble the official Costco page. They use enticing language and images to attract users and make the offer seem legitimate.
  2. Spreading the Scam: Scammers employ various tactics to spread the scam, such as tagging friends in the comments section, sharing the post on multiple Facebook groups, or using paid advertisements to reach a wider audience.
  3. Redirecting Users to a Fake Website: When users click on the post or page, they are redirected to a website that appears to be affiliated with Costco. The website is designed to mimic the official Costco website, further adding to the illusion of legitimacy.
  4. Prompting Users to Fill Out a Form: On the fake website, users are prompted to fill out a form with their personal information, such as their name, address, phone number, and email address. The form may also ask for additional details, such as credit card information or social security numbers.
  5. Collecting Personal Information: Once users submit the form, the scammers collect their personal information. This information can be used for various malicious purposes, as mentioned earlier.

What to Do If You Have Fallen Victim?

If you have fallen victim to the Costco ‘Free Voucher’ Facebook giveaway 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 your passwords for all your online accounts, including social media, email, and financial accounts. Use strong, unique passwords that are difficult to guess.
  2. Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly monitor your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, report them to your bank or credit card provider immediately.
  3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. This will require you to provide a second form of verification, such as a unique code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.
  4. Report the Scam: Report the scam to the appropriate authorities, such as your local law enforcement agency and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Provide them with all the relevant details, including screenshots of the scam posts or pages.
  5. Scan for Viruses or Malware: Run a scan with a reputable antivirus or anti-malware software, such as Malwarebytes Free, to ensure that your device is not infected with any malicious software.

Technical Details of the Scam

The Costco ‘Free Voucher’ Facebook giveaway scam utilizes various techniques to deceive users and appear legitimate. Here are some technical details of the scam:

  • URL Spoofing: Scammers use URL spoofing techniques to create websites that closely resemble the official Costco website. They may use similar domain names or subdomains to trick users into believing they are on a legitimate site.
  • Phishing Attacks: The scam relies on phishing attacks to trick users into providing their personal information. By creating a sense of urgency and excitement, scammers manipulate users into willingly sharing their sensitive data.
  • Social Engineering: Social engineering techniques are employed to exploit human psychology and trust. Scammers use enticing language, images, and promises of free vouchers to lure users into falling for the scam.

Statistics on Facebook Scams

Facebook scams, including the Costco ‘Free Voucher’ Facebook giveaway scam, have become a widespread issue affecting millions of users worldwide. Here are some statistics that shed light on the scale of the problem:

  • According to a report by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Facebook scams accounted for over $117 million in reported losses in 2020.
  • In the same report, the BBB stated that the number of Facebook scams reported to their Scam Tracker increased by 34% from 2019 to 2020.
  • A study conducted by the University of California, Berkeley found that Facebook scams are more likely to target older adults, with individuals aged 65 and older being the most vulnerable group.

Summary

The Costco ‘Free Voucher’ Facebook giveaway scam is a deceptive scheme that preys on

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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