Don’t Get Scammed by Fake Costco Product Tester Offers – Read This
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
Have you seen ads on social media or texts on WhatsApp and Telegram promising easy money as a “Costco Product Tester”? Don’t fall for it – it’s a scam designed to trick you into signing up for unwanted services, downloading malware, and buying overpriced products.
Overview of the Costco Product Tester Scam
The Costco Product Tester scam operates by directing victims to fake websites that mimic the look and feel of the real Costco website. These scam sites advertise a way to earn gift cards and cash by reviewing Costco products.
To apply, victims are instructed to click a “Get Yours” or “Get Started” button, which leads to a form asking for your email address and other personal details. After submitting your information, you are redirected to various shady websites and asked to complete surveys, download apps, or purchase products and services.
Despite promises of easy money for product reviews, there is no such job opportunity with Costco. The scammers register you for unwanted, recurring subscriptions and services designed to extract as much money from victims as possible. Many people end up spending far more than they would ever earn from the fictional review tasks.
How to Recognize the Costco Review Scam
The scam sites use the Costco logo and color scheme to appear credible at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, several red flags indicate the site’s fraudulent nature:
The domain name does not match the official Costco website (tesco.com) and often includes the words “review” or “tester”. Common examples include costco-reviewer.com, samples500.com, and tescotester.co.uk.
Poor grammar, spelling mistakes, and awkward phrasing in the text.
Stock photos of people holding gift cards instead of real Costco employees.
Claims that seem too good to be true, like “Earn £1000 per week!”
Links to unfamiliar domains instead of tesco.com.
No physical address, company registration, terms of service, or other official business details on the site.
Any job opportunity claiming you can make easy money testing products for Costco or writing reviews is a scam. Costco does not hire random people online for this type of work.
How the Costco Product Tester Scam Works
While scammers may change their domain names often to avoid blacklists, the general scam process follows the same pattern:
Step 1: Victims Encounter Scam Ads or Messages
Scam ads promoting the fake Costco job opportunity frequently appear on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The ads seem legitimate at first glance, using Costco’s logo and photos of gift cards or happy people.
Scammers also spam messages via WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS text messaging, and other platforms. The messages state that Costco is hiring product testers and provide a link to the fraudulent site.
Step 2: Victims Input Personal Information
After clicking the link, victims arrive at the scam website and are greeted with details about the fictional product testing program. To “apply”, they are instructed to click a button such as “Get Started” or “Get Yours”.
This leads to a form asking for the victim’s name, email address, phone number, home address and other personal details. Victims provide this information believing they are applying for a Costco job.
Step 3: Redirect to Shady Sites
Once submitted, the victim’s details are captured by the scammers. The victim is then redirected from the fake Costco site to various survey, offer, and download sites.
These third-party sites have paid the scammers to send traffic and signups their way. They make money by getting victims to complete subscription signups, download malware-infected apps, purchase overpriced products, and more.
Step 4: Complete Offers and Downloads
To receive the promised gift cards or cash rewards, victims are told they must first complete a number of “tasks” like:
Take paid surveys
Sign up for suspect free trials or monthly subscriptions
Download specific mobile apps, games, and software
Make purchases for products, gift cards, or services
Provide more personal details for data harvesting
Watch videos or click ads
The scammers earn affiliate commissions, fees, or buyer information every time victims complete an offer. The third-party sites also profit when victims forget to cancel the recurring subscriptions.
Step 5: No Rewards Provided
After completing several tasks, it quickly becomes clear that no Costco job or rewards exist. Victims who request their promised gift cards receive messages asking them to complete more offers to unlock the non-existent rewards.
Meanwhile, scammers have already profited from the victim’s personal data, downloads, purchases, and subscriptions. Even if you complete every task demanded, you will never receive gift cards or cash from these scams.
What to Do If You Fell For the Costco Reviewer Scam
If you submitted personal details or completed questionable offers related to a Costco Product Tester job opportunity, take the following steps right away:
Cancel Recurring Subscriptions and Services
Act fast to cancel any ongoing subscription services, free trials, or recurring payments signed up for through the scam site. Don’t forget magazines, software, phone services, and other monthly memberships. Cancel immediately to avoid being charged.
Scan Your Device for Malware
If you downloaded any apps or software during the scam process, scan your computer or mobile devices for malware, viruses, adware, and spyware. Use security software like Norton, Malwarebytes, or BitDefender to remove dangerous infected files.
Monitor Your Accounts
Closely monitor bank and credit card statements for any fraudulent or unauthorized charges. Also watch for misuse of stolen personal information like your government ID, address, or date of birth. Sign up for credit monitoring if concerned.
Reset Passwords
Change passwords on all online accounts, especially if you used the same password during the scam. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible as an extra layer of security on key logins.
Contact Banks and Credit Bureaus
If you suspect financial fraud like stolen card numbers, contact your bank and credit bureaus right away. Freeze your credit reports if necessary to prevent scammers from opening new accounts in your name.
Report the Scam
To help warn others, report the Costco Product Tester scam to the FTC and ActionFraud. Provide website details, screenshots, offer details, and any other evidence you collected.
By acting quickly, you can minimize damage, secure your accounts, remove malware, and avoid recurring charges from the scam. Don’t feel bad if you fell for it – these schemes are designed to deceive.
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.
Done? Click “Dashboard” in the left pane to return to the main screen.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Costco Product Tester Scam
1. What is the Costco Product Tester scam?
The Costco Product Tester scam is a fraud designed to steal personal information and money from victims under the false pretense of a job opportunity with Costco. Scammers create fake websites mimicking Costco’s branding and claim to offer easy product testing and review tasks in exchange for gift cards or cash rewards. However, it’s a scam and there is no job – victims end up paying more in unwanted subscriptions and services than any supposed rewards.
2. How does the Costco Product Tester scam work?
The scammers post online ads or send spam messages promoting a lucrative Costco job offer and a link to their fake site. Victims input personal details thinking they are applying for the job, but are actually giving their info directly to scammers. Victims get redirected to shady third-party sites and told to complete offers like paid surveys and subscription signups to receive their “rewards.” Scammers earn affiliate fees and harvest data, while victims end up losing money.
3. What are some red flags of the Costco Reviewer scam sites?
Red flags include non-Costco domains, poor grammar/spelling, unrealistic earnings claims, stock photos instead of real employees, links to unfamiliar sites, and lack of official business details. Costco does not hire random online applicants for these roles. Avoid any site offering easy money for product testing or reviews.
4. What should I do if I shared my information or completed offers?
Act quickly to cancel any monthly subscriptions, scan devices for malware if you downloaded anything, monitor financial accounts for fraud, change passwords, and contact banks about suspicious charges. Report the scam to authorities to help warn others avoid being victimized.
5. How can I avoid the Costco Product Tester scam?
Avoid sharing personal details or clicking links in unsolicited messages. Verify unfamiliar companies are legit before providing info. Watch for warning signs like upfront fees, urgent calls to act fast, and offers too good to be true. Sign up for credit monitoring and enable two-factor authentication to protect yourself from fraud.
6. Does Costco really offer Product Reviewer jobs?
No, Costco does not hire random people who apply online for product testing and review jobs. Any site offering easy payments to review Costco items is a fraudulent scam. Costco does not partner with third parties for this type of work. Be wary of anyone claiming you can make fast money reviewing products for major retailers.
7. Where can I report the Costco Reviewer scam?
Notify the FTC and ActionFraud about scam websites, ads, or messages related to fake Costco jobs. Provide as many details as possible like screenshots and offer instructions so they can investigate the scammers and warn other potential victims. Reporting frauds helps prevent more people from falling prey.
The Bottom Line on the Costco Product Tester Scam
The Costco Product Tester scam preys on innocent people looking to earn extra income online. Scammers rely on the trusted Costco brand name to trick victims into providing personal details and completing dubious offers.
Remember – Costco does NOT hire random people online to test products or write reviews. Any job opportunity promising easy money in exchange for an upfront “registration fee” or personal details is a fraud.
Protect yourself by learning to spot the warning signs of a scam website or job offer:
Unrealistic promises of high earnings for simple tasks
Requests for personal information like bank accounts or ID numbers
Poor grammar and spelling mistakes
Links leading away from the real company’s website
High-pressure tactics telling you to act fast
If you come across a deal that seems too good to be true, proceed with extreme caution. Search online to verify the company’s reputation before providing any sensitive information. Avoid clicking links or downloading software from unfamiliar sites to keep your devices malware-free.
With vigilance and awareness, you can avoid falling prey to Costco Reviewer scams and other online job frauds using trusted brands as bait. Only provide your details directly to legitimate, established businesses you can independently verify. Don’t let scammers use the trusted Costco name to steal your money and personal information.
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.
About Thomas Orsolya
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.
