Costco Meat Box Giveaway Scam – Why This 10$ “Deal” Is Fake
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
At first, it sounds like the perfect holiday hack. A friendly Facebook post, a smiling woman holding a Costco box, and a “secret tip” from a husband who supposedly works in the warehouse. For just around ten dollars in shipping, you are promised a giant Costco Meat Box packed with steaks, roasts, and more.
But the deeper you click into this offer, the stranger it becomes. The website is not really Costco, the survey feels oddly pointless, and somewhere in the tiny print your card is quietly being signed up for something you never asked for.
This guide pulls back the curtain on the Costco Meat Box Giveaway Scam, showing you exactly how the trick works, why so many people fall for it, and what you must do if you already entered your details.
Scam Overview
The Costco Meat Box Giveaway Scam is a classic “survey reward” trap that misuses Costco’s name and branding to lure people into paid subscriptions. It typically circulates on Facebook, Instagram, or other social platforms in the form of sponsored posts or shared stories.
The scam almost always starts with a personal style message. A typical post might say: “My husband works at Costco and told me something most people do not know” or “My cousin works at Costco and told me about this secret warehouse offer.” That one line is doing a lot of work. It suggests inside knowledge, humanizes the poster, and builds trust before you notice any details.
From there, the story usually explains that during transportation a lot of boxes of meat had their outer packaging damaged. The meat itself is supposedly perfect, still fresh and safe, but the boxes cannot be sold at full price. So, according to the story, Costco is running a special Christmas initiative to reduce waste and help families save money. These “damaged package” meat boxes are supposedly being sold for almost nothing, sometimes just $9.95 or $10 for shipping.
Attached to the post are photos that look very real at first glance. Someone smiling and holding a Costco box, stacks of meat packets in a trunk, or close ups of steaks. Many of these images are either stolen from real customers or staged specifically for the scam. The pictures are there to bypass your skepticism and make you think, “This person actually received the box. It must be legit.”
The text also uses urgency. It will say the promotion is available only for a few days, that it is part of an “end of year campaign,” or that there are limited boxes per region. There might even be a promise that the poster will “keep sharing offers like this” if people comment or share. This turns the scam into a viral chain as friends share the post with each other.
When you look closer, several red flags appear. The account running the ad is often a brand new profile or a page with very little history. The post may claim to be “sponsored,” but the link in the comments leads to a domain that is not owned by Costco. The wording of the story is reused across many different accounts, with only the name and profile photo changed.
Once you click through, you do not land on Costco’s official site. Instead you are redirected to a series of third party pages that copy Costco’s logo and colors but are clearly separate domains. These pages usually contain a short, meaningless four question survey that asks things like your age range and whether you shop at Costco. The answers do not matter. Everyone “qualifies” as a winner.
After the survey, you are asked to pick one of four boxes on the screen. No matter which one you choose, you “win” the Costco Meat Box. A celebration animation appears. Confetti might fall. A countdown timer appears, warning that you have only a few minutes to claim your prize. All of this is engineered to push you into making a fast decision without thinking too much.
The crucial part of the scam arrives at the payment page. You are told that you only need to pay a small shipping fee, usually around $9.95 or $10, to receive your meat box. The page again uses Costco’s logo and sometimes even mentions “Costco Meat Box” to make the checkout feel official. It asks for your name, address, email, phone number, and full card details.
Buried in the fine print around the payment button is the real trap. The shipping fee is bundled with a “trial membership” for some unrelated service. Common examples include PDF readers, online book clubs, recipe libraries, movie streaming sites, or generic “savings programs.” After a short trial period, usually a few days, your card starts getting billed monthly at much higher amounts, often in the range of $30 to $60 or more.
In other words, there is no official Costco promotion, no charitable waste reduction program, and usually no meat box at all. There is only a network of marketers who earn commissions for pushing as many people as possible into those hidden subscriptions. The Costco branding, emotional storytelling, and cheap price tag are just bait.
The scam thrives because it combines several powerful psychological levers. It leverages a trusted household brand, plays on the fear of missing out during an expensive holiday season, and uses a relatable “my husband works at Costco” angle to feel more genuine than a regular ad. Many people never suspect they are dealing with professional scammers until the bank statements arrive.
This scam has been also investigated by Jordan Liles on his YouTube channel, where he offers a detailed video on the subject. We recommend watching his content for a comprehensive understanding of the scam.
Next, let’s break down exactly how scammers carry out this scam from start to finish.
How The Scam Works
In practice, the Costco Meat Box Giveaway Scam follows a consistent step by step pattern. Each step is designed to lower your guard a little more until you willingly hand over your payment details.
1. The viral post or ad
The funnel begins with a Facebook or Instagram post that looks like it was written by an ordinary person. The text usually includes:
A claim that a friend or relative works at Costco
A story about damaged packaging on meat boxes
A promise of a very cheap meat box if you complete a short questionnaire
A mention that the offer is part of a Christmas or end of year initiative
The post often includes four or more photos of meat, boxes with Costco branding, and someone holding a package on their doorstep. The account name and profile picture appear casual and friendly, giving the impression of a real customer sharing a good deal.
Sometimes the post appears as a “Sponsored” ad in your feed. Other times it is shared by people who were fooled and are now unintentionally helping the scam spread. The link to the offer is usually placed in the comments, not in the main text, making it harder for automated systems to flag it.
2. Redirect to a fake “Costco offer” page
When you tap the link, you are redirected to a site that looks loosely like Costco but is not. The domain might be something like costco-special-reward.xyz or a completely random string of words with Costco slapped in the title.
The landing page reinforces the story from the Facebook post. It talks about warehouse overstock, damaged packaging, and a limited time program to help families buy meat for Christmas at a fraction of the usual cost. There might be a banner reading “Costco Meat Box Reward” and a fake progress bar showing how many boxes are left in your area.
There is no detailed contact information, no clear company name, and no link back to the official Costco site. The page only exists to push you to start the survey.
3. The short, meaningless survey
Next, you are shown a four question survey. Questions often include:
What is your age group
Do you shop at Costco
How often do you visit Costco each month
Are you satisfied with Costco services
The survey feels official enough to convince people they are dealing with a real research campaign. But there is no logic behind it. No matter what answers you choose, the outcome is always the same: you qualify for a reward.
The survey serves several purposes. It keeps you busy for a minute, making you feel like you are earning the offer. It also collects basic demographic information that can be used for future marketing. More importantly, it makes the reward feel justified and not just a random giveaway.
4. The “pick a box” mini game
After the survey results are “processed,” the site tells you that you are eligible for a Costco Meat Box. You are then asked to pick from four boxes or gift icons displayed on the screen.
This mini game is purely theatrical. Regardless of which box you click, you will always “win.” Often the first box appears to be empty or show a sad message, and then on your second or third try you hit the “jackpot.” This pattern is scripted to create a feeling of luck and excitement.
Animations, sound effects, and congratulatory text all signal that you have unlocked an exclusive prize. The site might show fake comments at the bottom from other “winners” praising the deal and confirming how much meat they received. None of this is real.
5. Fake urgency through countdown timers
Once you “win,” a countdown timer appears. It may give you five or ten minutes to claim your meat box before the offer expires. The page may also claim that there are only a few boxes left in your region.
This urgency is a classic pressure tactic. It discourages you from pausing to think, reading the small print, or searching Google to see if others have called it a scam. If you refresh or reopen the page, you will usually see that the timer resets, which proves it is not a real stock counter at all.
6. The payment page and hidden subscription terms
The next step is the checkout form. It usually repeats the Costco logo and says something like “Pay only $9.95 for shipping and receive your Costco Meat Box.”
To proceed, you must enter:
Full name and shipping address
Email address and phone number
Credit or debit card number, expiry date, and CVV
On the surface it looks like a one time payment form. However, somewhere near the button or in a tiny block of gray text there is a disclosure that you are also signing up for a trial of a completely unrelated service. Examples include:
Ebook or book club subscription
PDF reader or document tool
Streaming platform for movies or TV
“VIP savings club” or “rewards program”
The text might state that if you do not cancel within three or seven days, you will be billed a monthly fee. Many people never notice this because the writing is small, the timer is counting down, and the page celebrates your “Costco reward.”
7. After you pay: recurring charges and data harvesting
Once you submit your payment, one of several things can happen. Some victims report receiving nothing at all. Others may receive a small, low value item that has no connection to Costco. In many cases the only thing you get is an email confirming your membership in some obscure digital service.
Within a few days or weeks, recurring charges begin to appear on your card statement. They may show up under company names you do not recognize, often with vague descriptors like “Digital Media,” “Online Reader,” or “Rewards Program.” The amounts are much higher than the original shipping fee, often around $30, $40, or even $60 per month.
Meanwhile, your personal information has likely been added to marketing databases. Scammers can resell your email, phone number, and address to other shady advertisers, which can lead to more unwanted emails, texts, or calls. The cheap meat box may be long forgotten, but the financial consequences continue.
What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim To This Scam
If you already entered your details for a supposed Costco Meat Box, you are not alone. The important thing is to act quickly and methodically.
Stop using the compromised card Contact your bank or card issuer as soon as possible. Explain that you signed up for what you believed was a Costco promotion and later realized it was a scam. Ask them to:
Block further charges from that merchant
Cancel the card and issue a new one if needed
Help you dispute any unauthorized or deceptive charges
The faster you involve your bank, the better your chances of recovering your money and preventing more withdrawals.
Check for confirmation emails and subscriptions Search your inbox for messages received around the time you joined the “offer.” Look for welcome emails or receipts from companies you do not recognize, such as digital media services, PDF tools, book clubs, or streaming platforms. These emails often contain links to your account or cancellation options. Save copies or screenshots of everything, since this evidence will help if you need to file disputes or complaints later.
Cancel any active subscriptions Once you identify the services that are charging you, log in using your email address and cancel the memberships immediately. Follow the official cancellation steps and take screenshots of the confirmation page or email. If you cannot log in or the cancellation process is confusing on purpose, tell your bank that the merchant is making it hard to cancel and that you believe the subscription was created through deception.
Monitor your bank statements closely For at least a few months, check your statements regularly. Look for new or recurring charges that you do not recognize, even if they are small. Scammers sometimes start with minor amounts to test whether a card is still active. If you see anything suspicious, report it to your bank at once. It is better to ask questions early than to discover months of overlooked charges.
Secure your email and online accounts If you reused the same password on the scam site that you also use elsewhere, change your passwords immediately.
Start with your email, bank, and shopping accounts
Enable two factor authentication wherever possible
Use strong, unique passwords for each site
While the main focus of this scam is financial, any site where you enter data could be misused later, so it is wise to lock down your accounts.
Report the scam to Costco and the platform Go to Costco’s official website and use the customer service contact options to report the fake promotion. Include screenshots of the ad, the website, and any emails you received. Then report the post or ad on the platform where you saw it, such as Facebook or Instagram. Choose the option for “scam” or “fraud.” These reports help platforms remove the ads faster and reduce the number of new victims.
File a complaint with consumer protection agencies Depending on where you live, you may be able to file a report with your national consumer protection agency or financial regulator. Providing them with details about the domain, the company names on your statement, and the timeline of events can help ongoing investigations into subscription fraud networks.
Warn friends and family Finally, let others know what happened. If you commented on or shared the original post, go back and add a warning so people see that it is not legitimate. Share your experience with relatives who might be tempted by similar offers, especially older family members who trust big brand names. Your story can stop someone else from falling into the same trap.
Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan
Slow performance, constant pop-ups, or strange behavior? These are classic signs of a malware infection. The fastest way to find out is to scan your device with Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free — one of the most trusted malware removal tools available.
The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:
Adware — the cause of those annoying pop-ups
Browser hijackers — unwanted redirects and changed homepages
Trojans and spyware — hidden programs stealing your data
Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) — software you never asked for
👉 Select your device below — Windows, Mac, or Android — then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.
Malwarebytes for WindowsMalwarebytes for MacMalwarebytes for Android
Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows
Malwarebytes is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows — and it’s completely free for removing infections. It catches threats that many antivirus programs miss, including adware, browser hijackers, and trojans. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your PC in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Windows from the official source. The free version is all you need — it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.
(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)
Install Malwarebytes
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the MBSetup file. If Windows shows a User Account Control pop-up, click “Yes” to allow the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:
Choose where you’re installing the program — “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” — then click Next.
Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.
When installation is complete, the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen will open automatically.
On the final screen, click Open Malwarebytes to launch the program.
Enable “Scan for Rootkits”
Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the Settings gear icon on the left side of the screen.
In the settings menu, find “Scan for rootkits” and click the toggle so it turns blue.
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Start the Scan
Click the blue Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
The scan checks your entire system for browser hijackers and other malicious programs, so it can take several minutes. Feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found — malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all of them at once.
Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.
Restart Your Computer
Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click Yes. Once you’re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.
When the scan finishes, click Quarantine to remove everything Malwarebytes found. That’s it — your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.
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 a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss — adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it’s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac
Click the button below to download the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.
When the download finishes, open your Downloads folder and double-click the setup file to begin the installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
The Malwarebytes for Mac Installer will guide you through a few quick screens. Click “Continue” and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.
When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click “Get started“.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”
Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you’re installing it on. Click either Personal Computer or Work Computer, whichever applies.
Start the Scan
Click the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.
Wait for the Scan to Finish
Malwarebytes will scan your Mac for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This can take a few minutes, so feel free to do something else — just check back occasionally to see the progress.
Quarantine the Detected Threats
When the scan is done, you’ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the “Quarantine” button to remove all the threats at once.
Restart Your Mac
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot — if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you’re logged back in, your Mac is clean.
Once the scan is done, remove every threat it detected. Your Mac is now free of adware, rogue browser 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.
After the scan, tap Remove Selected to delete all detected threats. Your Android phone is now clean — no more malicious apps, adware, or 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.
Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button — so blocking them at the source is your best defense.
We recommend AdGuard, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.
The Costco Meat Box Giveaway is not a special warehouse clearance or a holiday initiative from Costco. It is a cleverly dressed subscription scam that uses emotional stories, fake surveys, copied Costco logos, and cheap “shipping only” pricing to capture your card details.
Instead of a bargain box of meat, victims often receive nothing at all, or at best a low value product, while their cards are quietly enrolled in recurring charges for ebook services, PDF readers, book clubs, movie sites, or vague rewards programs.
If an offer for a well known brand appears only in a random Facebook post, lives on a strange domain, and demands your card details after a four question quiz, treat it as a red flag. Verify promotions through official Costco channels, read the fine print before paying anything, and do not let countdown timers pressure you into a decision.
Staying skeptical of “too good to be true” deals is still one of the best defenses you have against scams like the Costco Meat Box giveaway.
FAQ
Is the Costco Meat Box Giveaway real?
No. The offer circulating on Facebook and other platforms is not an official Costco promotion. It is a third party subscription scam that misuses Costco’s name and logo to look believable.
Why do the posts say “my husband works at Costco”?
Scammers use personal sounding stories to build trust quickly. Lines like “my cousin works at Costco” make the post feel like a tip from a friend instead of an ad, which lowers your guard and makes you more likely to click.
Do you actually get a box of meat?
In many cases, victims receive nothing at all. Some report receiving a small, low value item that is not from Costco and worth far less than what they expected. The real goal is to capture your payment details for recurring charges, not to send quality meat.
What am I really paying for when I cover “shipping”?
That small shipping fee usually enrolls you in a trial subscription for an unrelated service, such as a book club, PDF reader, movie site, or rewards program. After the short trial ends, your card is billed every month at a much higher rate unless you cancel in time.
How can I tell if a Costco promotion is legitimate?
Go directly to the official Costco website, app, or verified social media pages. Real promotions will be listed there. Be wary of offers that live on random domains, use personal stories instead of clear branding, or require you to pay shipping after a useless four question survey.
I already filled out the form. Can I get my money back?
You might. Contact your bank or card issuer as soon as possible, explain that you were misled by a fake Costco offer, and ask about chargebacks or disputes. Cancel any related subscriptions and keep screenshots or emails as evidence.
Will reporting the scam actually help?
Yes. Reporting the ad to Facebook or Instagram, informing Costco through their official channels, and filing complaints with consumer protection agencies can all help limit the spread of the scam and protect other shoppers from falling into the same trap.
10 Rules to Avoid Online Scams
Here are 10 practical safety rules to help you avoid malware, online shopping scams, crypto scams, and other online fraud. Each tip includes a quick “if you already got hit” action.
Stop and verify before you click, log in, download, or pay.
Most scams win by creating urgency. Verify using a trusted method: type the website address yourself, use the official app, or call a known number (not the one in the message).
If you already clicked: close the page, do not enter passwords, and run a malware scan.
Keep your operating system, browser, and apps updated.
Updates patch security holes used by malware and malicious ads. Turn on automatic updates where possible.
If you saw a scary “update now” pop-up: close it and update only through your device settings or the official app store.
Use layered protection: antivirus plus an ad blocker.
Antivirus helps block malware. An ad blocker reduces scam redirects, phishing pages, and malvertising.
If your browser is acting weird: remove unknown extensions, reset the browser, then run a full scan.
Install apps, software, and extensions only from official sources.
Avoid cracked software, “keygens,” and random downloads. During installs, choose Custom/Advanced and decline bundled offers you do not recognize.
If you already installed something suspicious: uninstall it, restart, and scan again.
Treat links and attachments as untrusted by default.
Phishing often impersonates delivery services, banks, and popular brands. If it is unexpected, do not open attachments or log in through the message.
If you entered credentials: change the password immediately and enable 2FA.
Shop safely: research the store, then pay with protection.
Be cautious with brand-new stores, “closing sale” stories, and prices that make no sense. Prefer credit cards or PayPal for dispute options. Avoid wire transfers, gift cards, and crypto payments.
If you already paid: contact your card issuer or PayPal quickly to dispute the transaction.
Crypto rule: never pay a “fee” to withdraw or recover money.
Common patterns include fake profits, then “tax,” “gas,” or “verification” fees. Another is a “recovery agent” who demands upfront crypto.
If you already sent crypto: stop paying, save evidence (wallet addresses, TXIDs, chats), and report the scam to the platform used.
Secure your accounts with unique passwords and 2FA (start with email).
Use a password manager and unique passwords for every account. Enable 2FA using an authenticator app when possible.
If you suspect an account takeover: change passwords, sign out of all devices, and review recent logins and recovery settings.
Back up important files and keep one backup offline.
Backups protect you from ransomware and device failure. Keep at least one backup on an external drive that is not always connected.
If you suspect infection: do not connect backup drives until the system is clean.
If you think you are a victim: stop losses, document evidence, and escalate fast.
Move quickly. Speed matters for disputes, account recovery, and limiting damage.
Stop payments and contact: do not send more money or respond to the scammer.
Call your bank or card issuer: block transactions, replace the card if needed, and start a dispute or chargeback.
Secure your email first: change the email password, enable 2FA, and remove unfamiliar recovery options.
Secure other accounts: change passwords, enable 2FA, and log out of all sessions.
Scan your device: remove suspicious apps or extensions, then run a full malware scan.
Save evidence: screenshots, emails, order pages, tracking pages, wallet addresses, TXIDs, and chat logs.
Report it: to the payment provider, marketplace, social platform, exchange, or wallet service involved.
These rules are intentionally simple. Most online losses happen when decisions are rushed. Slow down, verify independently, and use payment methods and account controls that give you recourse.
1 thought on “Costco Meat Box Giveaway Scam – Why This 10$ “Deal” Is Fake”
Thomas is an expert at uncovering scams and providing in-depth reporting on cyber threats and online fraud. As an editor, he is dedicated to keeping readers informed on the latest developments in cybersecurity and tech.
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