Costco Survey Scam Warning: Fake Rewards, Gift Cards, and Free Product Offers
Written by: Thomas Orsolya
Published on:
The Costco Survey Scam is a fake reward scheme that uses Costco’s trusted name to trick people into The Costco Survey Scam is a phishing scheme that uses fake emails, texts, pop-ups, and social media ads to impersonate Costco and promote non-existent rewards.
These messages often promise items like a $500 gift card, Ninja CREAMi, Yeti cooler, or Samsung TV in exchange for completing a short survey. In reality, the goal is to steal personal information, payment details, or account credentials.
Overview
The Costco Survey Scam is a phishing and financial fraud scheme built around one powerful idea: people trust Costco.
Costco is a major retailer with a loyal membership base, strong brand recognition, and a reputation for value. That makes its name attractive to scammers. If a fake message claims to come from an unknown company, many people ignore it. But if the message appears to come from Costco, some users lower their guard.
That is exactly what scammers count on.
The scam usually begins with a message that says the recipient has been selected for a customer satisfaction survey. The message may claim Costco wants feedback after a recent visit, membership renewal, online order, or shopping experience.
To make the offer more convincing, scammers attach a reward.
The message may say something like:
“Congratulations, you have been selected for a Costco reward.”
“Complete this short Costco survey and claim your free gift.”
“You have been chosen to receive a Ninja CREAMi.”
“Your $500 Costco gift card is waiting.”
“Answer 4 questions and claim your exclusive prize.”
“Costco members only: claim your reward before it expires.”
The survey itself is usually meaningless. It may ask simple questions such as:
“How often do you shop at Costco?”
“Are you satisfied with Costco prices?”
“Would you recommend Costco to friends?”
“How would you rate your most recent shopping experience?”
These questions are not designed to collect useful feedback. They are there to make the page feel legitimate. The scam needs the victim to believe they are moving through a normal customer survey process.
After the fake survey ends, the page usually announces that the user has “qualified” for a reward. This is where the scam becomes more dangerous.
The victim may be told that the gift is free, but they must pay a small shipping or handling charge. The amount is often low enough to feel harmless, such as $1.95, $4.95, or $9.99.
That small fee is the trap.
Once the victim enters their card number, expiration date, CVV code, name, address, phone number, and email address, the scammers have enough information to commit fraud. They may charge the card immediately, enroll the victim into hidden subscription billing, sell the payment details, or use the information for identity theft.
Some versions of the Costco Survey Scam do not ask for payment immediately. Instead, they collect personal information first. They may request a full name, home address, phone number, email address, date of birth, or even account login details.
Other versions redirect victims through several marketing pages, fake prize pages, or suspicious “partner offers.” These pages can collect data at every step. The victim may think they are simply confirming eligibility, but each form gives scammers or shady lead-generation networks more information.
In more aggressive versions, the scam may attempt to install malware. This can happen through fake “reward verification” downloads, browser notification prompts, malicious attachments, or fake security pages. The Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers commonly use fake prize and gift card messages to get personal information, and clicking links in these messages can also expose users to malware.
The scam appears in several formats.
Fake Costco Survey Emails
Email is one of the most common delivery methods. The email may use Costco branding, red and blue colors, fake order references, and urgent subject lines.
Examples include:
“Costco Reward Waiting”
“You Have Been Selected”
“Costco Customer Survey”
“Claim Your Free Gift Today”
“Your Costco Prize Confirmation”
“Membership Reward Available”
The sender name may say “Costco,” “Costco Rewards,” “Costco Member Services,” or “Costco Survey Department.” But the actual email address often comes from a random domain that has no connection to Costco.
This is one of the biggest warning signs.
A scam email may display “Costco” as the sender name, but the address behind it may be something unrelated, such as a random Gmail address, a strange domain, or a newly registered website.
Fake Costco Text Messages
The text message version is known as smishing, which means phishing by SMS.
These messages are short, urgent, and designed for fast clicks. They may say the user has only a few minutes or hours to claim the prize.
A fake Costco text may look like:
“Costco: You have been selected for our loyalty survey. Complete it now to claim your free reward.”
Or:
“Your Costco gift card is ready. Confirm your delivery details here.”
Because text messages feel personal and immediate, many people click before checking the link. That is why smishing campaigns are so effective.
Fake Social Media Ads and Posts
Some versions appear on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or other platforms. These may use fake Costco pages, copied logos, stolen product images, and comments that appear to show happy winners.
The post may claim that Costco is clearing extra inventory or rewarding loyal customers. Scammers often use trending products to make the scam more tempting.
For example, a fake survey may promise a Ninja CREAMi because the product is popular and expensive enough to feel exciting. Other campaigns use coolers, TVs, air fryers, cookware sets, laptops, phones, or large gift cards.
Fake Pop-Up Ads
Some users encounter the scam through pop-up ads while browsing. The page may display a message like:
“You are today’s lucky Costco visitor.”
Or:
“Complete this 30-second survey and claim your reward.”
These pop-ups often appear on low-quality websites, pirated streaming pages, fake news sites, or pages filled with misleading ads. They may also appear after adware or a suspicious browser extension has been installed on the device.
Why The Scam Works So Well
The Costco Survey Scam works because it blends several psychological tricks.
First, it uses a trusted brand. People know Costco, shop there, and often associate the company with deals and membership perks.
Second, it offers a prize that feels believable. Costco sells many high-value products, so a free appliance, TV, or gift card may not seem impossible at first glance.
Third, it asks for a small action. Completing a survey feels low-risk. People are used to companies asking for feedback.
Fourth, it introduces urgency. The message may claim the reward expires soon or only a limited number of prizes remain.
Fifth, it starts with a small payment. A $4.95 shipping fee feels minor compared with a free $200 or $500 item. That contrast makes the victim focus on the reward, not the risk.
Costco has made clear that suspicious reward offers are not from Costco and that customers should not click links or provide personal information through those messages.
How The Scam Works
The Costco Survey Scam usually follows a predictable pattern. The details change from campaign to campaign, but the core structure remains the same.
Scammers impersonate Costco, create a fake reward offer, guide the victim through a convincing survey page, then collect sensitive information or money.
Here is how the scam typically unfolds.
1. The Victim Receives a Fake Costco Message
The scam begins with a message designed to look official.
It may arrive as:
An email
A text message
A social media ad
A Facebook post
A browser pop-up
A push notification
A fake online ad
A forwarded message from someone who was also tricked
The message usually claims the recipient has been selected for a special opportunity.
It may mention a survey, giveaway, reward program, customer appreciation event, loyalty bonus, or membership benefit.
The wording often tries to sound friendly and exciting:
“Costco values your opinion. Complete our short survey and receive a free reward.”
Or:
“You have been chosen to receive a Costco exclusive prize. Confirm now.”
This first message has one job: get the victim to click.
2. The Link Sends The User To a Fake Costco Page
The link does not lead to Costco’s real website.
Instead, it opens a fake page controlled by scammers. The page may copy Costco’s logo, colors, fonts, product photos, and layout. It may include fake customer reviews, countdown timers, stock counters, and trust badges.
The page may look professional enough to fool someone who is browsing quickly on a phone.
This is especially dangerous on mobile devices because the full web address is often harder to inspect. A fake domain may be hidden behind a shortened link or a button that says “Start Survey.”
The URL may contain words like:
costco
rewards
member
survey
loyalty
prize
gifts
claim
winner
But that does not make it legitimate.
Scammers often use domains that look close to real brands. They may add extra words, hyphens, numbers, or unusual endings to make the link appear related to Costco.
Examples of suspicious patterns include:
costco-reward-example.com
costcosurvey-prize.example
member-costco-gifts.example
costcofreeclaim.example
surveyrewardcenter.example
A real Costco promotion should be verified directly through Costco’s official website, not through a random link in an unsolicited message.
3. The Fake Survey Begins
Once the victim lands on the fake site, the page asks several simple questions.
The questions are usually easy and generic. They may ask about shopping habits, product satisfaction, membership use, or customer experience.
The survey may show progress bars such as:
Question 1 of 4
Question 2 of 4
Validating answers
Checking reward availability
Confirming eligibility
This creates the feeling that something real is happening. In reality, the victim usually “qualifies” no matter how they answer.
The scam is not interested in honest feedback. It is interested in moving the victim to the next step.
4. The Victim Is Told They Won a Prize
After the fake survey, the site announces that the victim has qualified for a reward.
This is the emotional hook.
The page may show several prize boxes and ask the user to choose one. Or it may show a single prize and claim it has already been reserved.
Common fake rewards include:
$500 Costco gift card
$250 Costco voucher
Ninja CREAMi
Yeti cooler
Samsung TV
KitchenAid mixer
Air fryer
iPhone
Laptop
Free groceries
Costco membership extension
The page may say only a few rewards remain. It may show a countdown timer or claim the user has 5 minutes to complete the process.
This urgency is artificial.
The timer is there to stop the victim from thinking carefully, checking Costco’s website, or asking someone else for advice.
5. The Scam Requests Personal Information
Next, the page asks the victim to provide personal details.
This may include:
Full name
Email address
Phone number
Home address
ZIP code
Date of birth
Costco membership number
Login credentials
Security questions
The page may claim this information is needed to ship the reward, verify membership, or confirm eligibility.
But entering this information can expose the victim to more scams.
Once scammers have a name, phone number, address, and email, they can use that data for targeted phishing. The victim may start receiving fake delivery notices, fake bank alerts, fake refund calls, fake tech support messages, or more prize scams.
If the victim provides a Costco login or password used on other sites, criminals may attempt credential stuffing. That means they try the same email and password combination on banks, email accounts, shopping accounts, and other services.
6. The Scam Requests a Small Shipping Fee
This is one of the most common payment traps.
The fake page says the prize is free, but the victim must pay a small shipping or handling fee.
The amount is usually low. That is intentional.
A $3.95 or $4.95 fee seems reasonable if the promised reward is worth $200 or more. Many victims think, “Even if this is a little unusual, it is only a few dollars.”
But the real cost can be much higher.
Once the victim enters payment card details, scammers may:
Make unauthorized purchases
Sell the card information
Enroll the victim in recurring subscriptions
Attempt larger charges later
Use the card for online fraud
Pair the card data with stolen personal information
Some scam pages hide subscription terms in tiny text. The victim may think they are paying shipping, but they are actually agreeing to recurring charges.
These charges may appear under unfamiliar company names, making them harder to connect to the original fake Costco survey.
7. The Victim May Be Redirected Through More Offers
After payment or data entry, the victim may not receive any clear confirmation.
Instead, they may be redirected to another page. Then another. Then another.
These pages may ask the victim to:
Complete additional surveys
Sign up for trial offers
Enter more personal details
Download an app
Allow browser notifications
Confirm their phone number
Share the offer with friends
Complete “partner deals”
This redirect chain can be part of a lead-generation scheme. Each page collects data, generates affiliate commissions, or exposes the victim to more scams.
In some cases, the fake Costco reward is simply the doorway into a larger fraud funnel.
8. The Prize Never Arrives
Eventually, the victim realizes the reward is not coming.
There is no Ninja CREAMi. No Yeti cooler. No Samsung TV. No $500 Costco gift card.
If they try contacting the site, they may find:
No customer service number
A fake support email
A contact form that never replies
A disconnected phone number
A generic billing company
A hidden subscription cancellation page
No record of any order
By then, the scammers may already have the victim’s personal details, payment information, and contact data.
9. The Victim May Receive Follow-Up Scams
Once someone interacts with a scam page, they may be targeted again.
Scammers often reuse or sell victim data. A person who clicked a Costco survey scam may later receive other messages claiming to be from:
USPS
FedEx
UPS
PayPal
Amazon
Walmart
Best Buy
Their bank
A fraud department
A debt collector
Tech support
A prize department
These follow-up scams may reference shipping, refunds, failed payments, account alerts, or suspicious activity.
This is why it is important to act quickly after entering information on a fake survey page.
10. Some Versions Try To Install Malware
Not every Costco Survey Scam stops at data theft.
Some pages may push malware, adware, or unwanted software. This can happen through fake prompts such as:
“Download your reward confirmation.”
“Install this app to track your prize.”
“Update your browser to continue.”
“Allow notifications to verify you are human.”
“Open this file to claim your gift.”
These prompts should be treated as suspicious.
Allowing browser notifications can lead to constant scam pop-ups. Installing unknown software can expose the device to spyware, browser hijackers, fake antivirus alerts, or credential theft.
The FTC warns that links in fake prize messages can lead to malware downloads, which is one reason users should avoid clicking unsolicited reward links.
11. The Scam Uses Costco’s Name Without Permission
A key point is that Costco is not running these fake survey campaigns.
Scammers are impersonating Costco to make the fraud look trustworthy. Costco itself is also harmed by these schemes because its brand is being abused.
Costco’s fraud prevention page states that keeping customer information secure is a priority and provides guidance on common scams and identity theft protection.
The safest approach is simple:
Do not trust unsolicited messages offering Costco prizes for surveys.
Do not click the link.
Do not enter personal information.
Do not pay a shipping fee.
Go directly to Costco’s official website or contact Costco through official channels if you are unsure.
Red Flags Of The Costco Survey Scam
The scam can look polished, but it usually leaves clues.
Watch for these warning signs:
The Message Arrives Unexpectedly
If you did not enter a Costco promotion or request a survey, be cautious.
Unexpected prize messages are a classic scam tactic.
The Reward Is Too Generous
A high-value product in exchange for a short survey is suspicious.
A few questions are not usually worth a $500 gift card, a TV, or an expensive appliance.
The Message Creates Urgency
Scam pages often say:
“Claim within 5 minutes.”
“Only 3 rewards left.”
“Your reward expires today.”
“Final notice.”
“Act now.”
Urgency is used to pressure you into acting before checking the facts.
The Link Does Not Go To Costco’s Official Website
Always inspect the web address.
A scam may include “Costco” in the domain, but that does not make it real.
The Page Asks For Card Details
A free reward should not require you to enter your full credit card or debit card information through a random survey link.
A small shipping fee is one of the most common tricks in fake reward scams.
The Email Address Looks Wrong
The sender name may say Costco, but the actual email address may be unrelated.
Look carefully at the domain after the @ symbol.
The Page Has Grammar Issues Or Strange Wording
Some scam pages contain awkward phrases, inconsistent capitalization, or unusual formatting.
But do not rely only on grammar. Many modern scam pages are clean and convincing.
The Offer Appears On A Random Social Media Page
A fake Costco page may use stolen logos and product images. Check whether the page is official, verified, and linked from Costco’s real website.
The Survey Always Says You Qualified
If every answer leads to a prize, the survey is not real. It is a funnel.
What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim To This Scam
If you clicked a fake Costco survey link, entered information, paid a fee, or downloaded something, do not panic. Act quickly and methodically.
1. Stop Interacting With The Scam Page
Close the page immediately.
Do not complete more forms. Do not download files. Do not call phone numbers shown on the page. Do not reply to the email or text.
If the page asks you to share the offer with friends, do not send it.
2. Contact Your Bank Or Card Issuer
If you entered credit card or debit card details, call your bank or card issuer using the number on the back of your card.
Tell them you entered your card information on a suspected phishing website.
Ask them to:
Block or replace the card
Review recent charges
Dispute unauthorized transactions
Stop recurring charges if any appear
Add extra fraud monitoring
Do this even if the charge was only a few dollars. Small test charges can lead to larger fraud later.
3. Check Your Statements Carefully
Review your bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar charges.
Look for:
Small shipping charges
Subscription billing
Unknown merchant names
Repeated monthly charges
International charges
Trial offer billing
Random digital service charges
Scam-related charges may not say “Costco.” They may appear under a completely different company name.
4. Change Passwords If You Entered Login Information
If you entered a password on the fake page, change it immediately.
Start with:
Your Costco account
Your email account
Your bank account
Shopping accounts
Payment apps
Any account using the same password
Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
If you reused the same password elsewhere, change it everywhere.
5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Turn on two-factor authentication for important accounts.
Prioritize:
Email
Banking
Costco
Amazon
PayPal
Apple ID
Google account
Microsoft account
Social media accounts
Two-factor authentication makes it harder for scammers to access your accounts even if they have your password.
6. Watch For Follow-Up Scams
After entering information into a fake survey, you may receive more scam messages.
Be suspicious of future texts, calls, or emails claiming:
Your package cannot be delivered
Your card was charged
Your account was locked
Your refund is ready
Your device is infected
Your bank detected fraud
You owe a fee
You won another prize
Scammers may use the information you entered to make future scams sound personal.
7. Scan Your Device For Malware
If you downloaded a file, installed an app, allowed browser notifications, or clicked through suspicious pop-ups, scan your device.
Use trusted security software.
Also check your browser extensions and remove anything unfamiliar.
If you allowed notifications from a suspicious site, disable them in your browser settings.
8. Report The Scam
Report the fake survey to the proper organizations.
You can report:
The email as phishing in your email provider
The text as spam through your phone
The scam website to your browser or security provider
Fraud to the FTC
Suspicious Costco-related scams to Costco through official customer service channels
The FTC advises consumers not to respond to fake prize messages or click suspicious links, and it provides guidance for reporting scams. (Consumer Advice)
9. Save Evidence
Keep records in case you need them for your bank, card issuer, or a fraud report.
Save:
Screenshots of the message
The sender email or phone number
The website address
Payment confirmation screens
Bank transaction details
Any emails from the fake site
Dates and times
Do not click the scam link again to gather evidence. Use what you already have.
10. Warn Family Members
These scams often target ordinary shoppers, parents, seniors, and people who frequently use big-box retailers.
Warn family members not to trust Costco reward surveys sent by email, text, or social media.
This is especially important if someone in your household may have received the same message.
How To Protect Yourself From Costco Survey Scams
Avoiding this scam comes down to a few consistent habits.
Go Directly To Costco’s Website
Do not use links from unsolicited emails or texts.
Open your browser and type Costco’s official website yourself. If there is a real promotion, you should be able to verify it through official channels.
Treat Free High-Value Rewards As Suspicious
A free product worth hundreds of dollars for a short survey should immediately raise concern.
Real companies may conduct surveys, but unsolicited high-value reward claims are frequently abused by scammers.
Never Pay Shipping For A Surprise Prize
If a message says you won a free Costco gift but must pay a small shipping fee, assume it is suspicious.
This is one of the most common ways scammers steal card details.
Check The Sender And URL Carefully
Look beyond the display name.
Check the real email address, domain, and link destination. If anything looks unrelated to Costco, do not proceed.
Do Not Enter Personal Information Through Random Links
Your name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, and card details are valuable.
Do not provide them to a page reached through an unexpected reward message.
Keep Your Browser And Security Software Updated
Updates help protect against malicious pages, browser exploits, and known phishing sites.
Block And Report Scam Messages
Mark suspicious emails as phishing. Report scam texts as spam. This helps reduce similar messages in the future.
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.
The Bottom Line
The Costco Survey Scam is not a real Costco promotion. It is a phishing scheme that uses fake surveys, fake rewards, and fake urgency to steal personal information, payment details, or both.
The promised prize may be a $500 gift card, Ninja CREAMi, Yeti cooler, Samsung TV, or another attractive item. But the pattern is the same: click the link, answer easy questions, “qualify” for a reward, then provide sensitive information or pay a small shipping fee.
That small fee can lead to card fraud, hidden subscriptions, identity theft, malware, or more targeted scams.
Costco has warned that fraudulent emails, texts, and posts are circulating and that these offers are not from Costco Wholesale. The safest response is to avoid the links, delete the message, and verify any real promotion only through Costco’s official website or customer service.
If you already entered information, act quickly. Contact your bank, change passwords, monitor accounts, scan your device, and report the scam.
A real reward should not pressure you, confuse you, or ask for sensitive information through a suspicious link. When a message promises something expensive for almost nothing, pause before clicking. That pause can protect your money, your identity, and your peace of mind.
FAQ
Is the Costco survey reward real?
No. Fake Costco survey messages promising free gifts, gift cards, or expensive products are scams. Costco does not send unsolicited surveys offering high-value rewards.
What is the Costco Survey Scam?
It is a phishing scam where criminals impersonate Costco and ask users to complete a fake survey. The goal is to steal personal information, credit card details, or login credentials.
Why do scammers ask for a small shipping fee?
The “shipping fee” is used to collect your credit card details. Even if the amount looks small, scammers may use the card for larger charges or hidden subscriptions.
What fake prizes are used in the Costco Survey Scam?
Common fake prizes include $500 Costco gift cards, Ninja CREAMi machines, Yeti coolers, Samsung TVs, air fryers, and other high-value products.
What should I do if I entered my card details?
Contact your bank or card issuer immediately, report the transaction as suspicious, request a new card if needed, and monitor your statements for unauthorized charges.
How can I check if a Costco offer is real?
Do not click links in unsolicited emails or texts. Go directly to Costco’s official website or contact Costco customer service through official channels.
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.
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.
