{"id":389861,"date":"2026-04-24T02:47:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T02:47:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/?p=389861"},"modified":"2026-04-24T02:47:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T02:47:19","slug":"costco-survey-scam-warning-fake-rewards-gift-cards-and-free-product-offers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/costco-survey-scam-warning-fake-rewards-gift-cards-and-free-product-offers\/","title":{"rendered":"Costco Survey Scam Warning: Fake Rewards, Gift Cards, and Free Product Offers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Costco Survey Scam is a fake reward scheme that uses Costco\u2019s 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.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad222661100\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309684--placement_360520\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3957935887\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"414\" height=\"479\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Costco-Scam.jpg\" alt=\"Costco Scam\" class=\"wp-image-193630\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Costco-Scam.jpg 414w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Costco-Scam-259x300.jpg 259w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 414px) 100vw, 414px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad1532025353\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309746-ad_309691-placement_360521\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"4456629336\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Costco Survey Scam is a phishing and financial fraud scheme built around one powerful idea: people trust Costco.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad267385063\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381396-ad_309691-placement_360566\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1471373341\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is exactly what scammers count on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2716611159\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309686-ad_309691-placement_360569\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6935453015\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To make the offer more convincing, scammers attach a reward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The message may say something like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cCongratulations, you have been selected for a Costco reward.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cComplete this short Costco survey and claim your free gift.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cYou have been chosen to receive a Ninja CREAMi.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cYour $500 Costco gift card is waiting.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cAnswer 4 questions and claim your exclusive prize.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cCostco members only: claim your reward before it expires.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The survey itself is usually meaningless. It may ask simple questions such as:<\/p><div id=\"mwtad351092740\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381401-ad_309691-placement_360573\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5315249587\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cHow often do you shop at Costco?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cAre you satisfied with Costco prices?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cWould you recommend Costco to friends?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cHow would you rate your most recent shopping experience?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the fake survey ends, the page usually announces that the user has \u201cqualified\u201d for a reward. This is where the scam becomes more dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1643863376\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381404-ad_309691-placement_381406\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8735619847\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That small fee is the trap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1063173447\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360582-ad_309691-placement_360581\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9971336976\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other versions redirect victims through several marketing pages, fake prize pages, or suspicious \u201cpartner offers.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In more aggressive versions, the scam may attempt to install malware. This can happen through fake \u201creward verification\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scam appears in several formats.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad4250618963\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360567-ad_309691-placement_360771\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6224621518\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"436\" height=\"557\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/5-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-389862\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/5-3.jpg 436w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/5-3-235x300.jpg 235w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 436px) 100vw, 436px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fake Costco Survey Emails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cCostco Reward Waiting\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cYou Have Been Selected\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cCostco Customer Survey\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cClaim Your Free Gift Today\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cYour Costco Prize Confirmation\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cMembership Reward Available\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sender name may say \u201cCostco,\u201d \u201cCostco Rewards,\u201d \u201cCostco Member Services,\u201d or \u201cCostco Survey Department.\u201d But the actual email address often comes from a random domain that has no connection to Costco.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad2783822636\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360571-ad_309691-placement_360772\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"5867729999\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is one of the biggest warning signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A scam email may display \u201cCostco\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"831\" height=\"865\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2-10.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-389863\" style=\"width:487px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2-10.jpg 831w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/2-10-288x300.jpg 288w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 831px) 100vw, 831px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fake Costco Text Messages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The text message version is known as smishing, which means phishing by SMS.<\/p><div id=\"mwtad1854699511\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360576-ad_309691-placement_360773\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"6594472392\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A fake Costco text may look like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCostco: You have been selected for our loyalty survey. Complete it now to claim your free reward.\u201d<\/p><div id=\"mwtad314447773\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360583-ad_309691-placement_360774\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"8849826992\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYour Costco gift card is ready. Confirm your delivery details here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad1549255089\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_360584-ad_309691-placement_360775\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3952847241\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because text messages feel personal and immediate, many people click before checking the link. That is why smishing campaigns are so effective.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"859\" height=\"923\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1-60.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-389866\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.9306673591274993;width:304px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1-60.jpg 859w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1-60-279x300.jpg 279w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 859px) 100vw, 859px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fake Social Media Ads and Posts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"571\" height=\"434\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-389864\" style=\"width:497px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-5.jpg 571w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-5-300x228.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 571px) 100vw, 571px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fake Pop-Up Ads<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some users encounter the scam through pop-up ads while browsing. The page may display a message like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou are today\u2019s lucky Costco visitor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cComplete this 30-second survey and claim your reward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why The Scam Works So Well<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Costco Survey Scam works because it blends several psychological tricks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, it uses a trusted brand. People know Costco, shop there, and often associate the company with deals and membership perks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Third, it asks for a small action. Completing a survey feels low-risk. People are used to companies asking for feedback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fourth, it introduces urgency. The message may claim the reward expires soon or only a limited number of prizes remain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad3951830989\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309747-ad_309691-placement_360587\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"9589536513\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How The Scam Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Costco Survey Scam usually follows a predictable pattern. The details change from campaign to campaign, but the core structure remains the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scammers impersonate Costco, create a fake reward offer, guide the victim through a convincing survey page, then collect sensitive information or money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here is how the scam typically unfolds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. The Victim Receives a Fake Costco Message<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scam begins with a message designed to look official.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It may arrive as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>An email<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A text message<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A social media ad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A Facebook post<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A browser pop-up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A push notification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A fake online ad<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A forwarded message from someone who was also tricked<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The message usually claims the recipient has been selected for a special opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It may mention a survey, giveaway, reward program, customer appreciation event, loyalty bonus, or membership benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The wording often tries to sound friendly and exciting:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCostco values your opinion. Complete our short survey and receive a free reward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Or:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cYou have been chosen to receive a Costco exclusive prize. Confirm now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This first message has one job: get the victim to click.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"571\" height=\"434\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-389864\" style=\"width:410px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-5.jpg 571w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4-5-300x228.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 571px) 100vw, 571px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. The Link Sends The User To a Fake Costco Page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The link does not lead to Costco\u2019s real website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, it opens a fake page controlled by scammers. The page may copy Costco\u2019s logo, colors, fonts, product photos, and layout. It may include fake customer reviews, countdown timers, stock counters, and trust badges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The page may look professional enough to fool someone who is browsing quickly on a phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 \u201cStart Survey.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The URL may contain words like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>costco<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>rewards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>member<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>survey<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>loyalty<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prize<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gifts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>claim<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>winner<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But that does not make it legitimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Examples of suspicious patterns include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>costco-reward-example.com<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>costcosurvey-prize.example<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>member-costco-gifts.example<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>costcofreeclaim.example<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>surveyrewardcenter.example<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A real Costco promotion should be verified directly through Costco\u2019s official website, not through a random link in an unsolicited message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"436\" height=\"557\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/5-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-389865\" style=\"width:369px;height:auto\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/5-4.jpg 436w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/5-4-235x300.jpg 235w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 436px) 100vw, 436px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. The Fake Survey Begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the victim lands on the fake site, the page asks several simple questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The questions are usually easy and generic. They may ask about shopping habits, product satisfaction, membership use, or customer experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The survey may show progress bars such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Question 1 of 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Question 2 of 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Validating answers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Checking reward availability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirming eligibility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This creates the feeling that something real is happening. In reality, the victim usually \u201cqualifies\u201d no matter how they answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scam is not interested in honest feedback. It is interested in moving the victim to the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. The Victim Is Told They Won a Prize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the fake survey, the site announces that the victim has qualified for a reward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the emotional hook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common fake rewards include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>$500 Costco gift card<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>$250 Costco voucher<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ninja CREAMi<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yeti cooler<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Samsung TV<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>KitchenAid mixer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Air fryer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>iPhone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Laptop<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Free groceries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Costco membership extension<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This urgency is artificial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The timer is there to stop the victim from thinking carefully, checking Costco\u2019s website, or asking someone else for advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. The Scam Requests Personal Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Next, the page asks the victim to provide personal details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Full name<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Email address<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Phone number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home address<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ZIP code<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Date of birth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Costco membership number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Login credentials<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Security questions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The page may claim this information is needed to ship the reward, verify membership, or confirm eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But entering this information can expose the victim to more scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. The Scam Requests a Small Shipping Fee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is one of the most common payment traps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fake page says the prize is free, but the victim must pay a small shipping or handling fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The amount is usually low. That is intentional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A $3.95 or $4.95 fee seems reasonable if the promised reward is worth $200 or more. Many victims think, \u201cEven if this is a little unusual, it is only a few dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the real cost can be much higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the victim enters payment card details, scammers may:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make unauthorized purchases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sell the card information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enroll the victim in recurring subscriptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attempt larger charges later<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the card for online fraud<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pair the card data with stolen personal information<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These charges may appear under unfamiliar company names, making them harder to connect to the original fake Costco survey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. The Victim May Be Redirected Through More Offers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After payment or data entry, the victim may not receive any clear confirmation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, they may be redirected to another page. Then another. Then another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These pages may ask the victim to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Complete additional surveys<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sign up for trial offers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter more personal details<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Download an app<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allow browser notifications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confirm their phone number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Share the offer with friends<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete \u201cpartner deals\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In some cases, the fake Costco reward is simply the doorway into a larger fraud funnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. The Prize Never Arrives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eventually, the victim realizes the reward is not coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no Ninja CREAMi. No Yeti cooler. No Samsung TV. No $500 Costco gift card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If they try contacting the site, they may find:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No customer service number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A fake support email<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A contact form that never replies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A disconnected phone number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A generic billing company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A hidden subscription cancellation page<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No record of any order<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By then, the scammers may already have the victim\u2019s personal details, payment information, and contact data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. The Victim May Receive Follow-Up Scams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once someone interacts with a scam page, they may be targeted again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scammers often reuse or sell victim data. A person who clicked a Costco survey scam may later receive other messages claiming to be from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>USPS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>FedEx<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UPS<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PayPal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amazon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Walmart<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Best Buy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Their bank<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A fraud department<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A debt collector<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tech support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A prize department<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These follow-up scams may reference shipping, refunds, failed payments, account alerts, or suspicious activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is why it is important to act quickly after entering information on a fake survey page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Some Versions Try To Install Malware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every Costco Survey Scam stops at data theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some pages may push malware, adware, or unwanted software. This can happen through fake prompts such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cDownload your reward confirmation.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cInstall this app to track your prize.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cUpdate your browser to continue.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cAllow notifications to verify you are human.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cOpen this file to claim your gift.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These prompts should be treated as suspicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. The Scam Uses Costco\u2019s Name Without Permission<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A key point is that Costco is not running these fake survey campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scammers are impersonating Costco to make the fraud look trustworthy. Costco itself is also harmed by these schemes because its brand is being abused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Costco\u2019s fraud prevention page states that keeping customer information secure is a priority and provides guidance on common scams and identity theft protection.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The safest approach is simple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not trust unsolicited messages offering Costco prizes for surveys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not click the link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not enter personal information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not pay a shipping fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Go directly to Costco\u2019s official website or contact Costco through official channels if you are unsure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2019754427\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_309748-ad_309691-placement_360588\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3906789406\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Red Flags Of The Costco Survey Scam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The scam can look polished, but it usually leaves clues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watch for these warning signs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Message Arrives Unexpectedly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you did not enter a Costco promotion or request a survey, be cautious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unexpected prize messages are a classic scam tactic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Reward Is Too Generous<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A high-value product in exchange for a short survey is suspicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few questions are not usually worth a $500 gift card, a TV, or an expensive appliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Message Creates Urgency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scam pages often say:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cClaim within 5 minutes.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cOnly 3 rewards left.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cYour reward expires today.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cFinal notice.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u201cAct now.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Urgency is used to pressure you into acting before checking the facts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Link Does Not Go To Costco\u2019s Official Website<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always inspect the web address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A scam may include \u201cCostco\u201d in the domain, but that does not make it real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Page Asks For Card Details<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A free reward should not require you to enter your full credit card or debit card information through a random survey link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A small shipping fee is one of the most common tricks in fake reward scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Email Address Looks Wrong<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sender name may say Costco, but the actual email address may be unrelated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look carefully at the domain after the @ symbol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Page Has Grammar Issues Or Strange Wording<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some scam pages contain awkward phrases, inconsistent capitalization, or unusual formatting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But do not rely only on grammar. Many modern scam pages are clean and convincing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Offer Appears On A Random Social Media Page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A fake Costco page may use stolen logos and product images. Check whether the page is official, verified, and linked from Costco\u2019s real website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Survey Always Says You Qualified<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If every answer leads to a prize, the survey is not real. It is a funnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad1721808525\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_318930-ad_309691-placement_360589\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3818335085\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What To Do If You Have Fallen Victim To This Scam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you clicked a fake Costco survey link, entered information, paid a fee, or downloaded something, do not panic. Act quickly and methodically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Stop Interacting With The Scam Page<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Close the page immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the page asks you to share the offer with friends, do not send it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Contact Your Bank Or Card Issuer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you entered credit card or debit card details, call your bank or card issuer using the number on the back of your card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tell them you entered your card information on a suspected phishing website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask them to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Block or replace the card<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review recent charges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dispute unauthorized transactions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stop recurring charges if any appear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add extra fraud monitoring<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do this even if the charge was only a few dollars. Small test charges can lead to larger fraud later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Check Your Statements Carefully<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Review your bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Small shipping charges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Subscription billing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unknown merchant names<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeated monthly charges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>International charges<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trial offer billing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Random digital service charges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scam-related charges may not say \u201cCostco.\u201d They may appear under a completely different company name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Change Passwords If You Entered Login Information<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you entered a password on the fake page, change it immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your Costco account<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your email account<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your bank account<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shopping accounts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Payment apps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any account using the same password<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use strong, unique passwords for each account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you reused the same password elsewhere, change it everywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Turn on two-factor authentication for important accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prioritize:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Email<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Banking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Costco<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amazon<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PayPal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apple ID<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Google account<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Microsoft account<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social media accounts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two-factor authentication makes it harder for scammers to access your accounts even if they have your password.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Watch For Follow-Up Scams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After entering information into a fake survey, you may receive more scam messages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Be suspicious of future texts, calls, or emails claiming:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your package cannot be delivered<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your card was charged<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your account was locked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your refund is ready<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your device is infected<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your bank detected fraud<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You owe a fee<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You won another prize<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scammers may use the information you entered to make future scams sound personal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Scan Your Device For Malware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you downloaded a file, installed an app, allowed browser notifications, or clicked through suspicious pop-ups, scan your device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use trusted security software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also check your browser extensions and remove anything unfamiliar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you allowed notifications from a suspicious site, disable them in your browser settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Report The Scam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Report the fake survey to the proper organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can report:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The email as phishing in your email provider<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The text as spam through your phone<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The scam website to your browser or security provider<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fraud to the FTC<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suspicious Costco-related scams to Costco through official customer service channels<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FTC advises consumers not to respond to fake prize messages or click suspicious links, and it provides guidance for reporting scams. (<a href=\"https:\/\/consumer.ftc.gov\/articles\/fake-prize-sweepstakes-and-lottery-scams?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Consumer Advice<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Save Evidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep records in case you need them for your bank, card issuer, or a fraud report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Save:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Screenshots of the message<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The sender email or phone number<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The website address<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Payment confirmation screens<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bank transaction details<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Any emails from the fake site<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dates and times<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not click the scam link again to gather evidence. Use what you already have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Warn Family Members<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These scams often target ordinary shoppers, parents, seniors, and people who frequently use big-box retailers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Warn family members not to trust Costco reward surveys sent by email, text, or social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is especially important if someone in your household may have received the same message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad2215570819\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381388-ad_309691-placement_381390\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"3191649120\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Protect Yourself From Costco Survey Scams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoiding this scam comes down to a few consistent habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Go Directly To Costco\u2019s Website<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not use links from unsolicited emails or texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Open your browser and type Costco\u2019s official website yourself. If there is a real promotion, you should be able to verify it through official channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Treat Free High-Value Rewards As Suspicious<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A free product worth hundreds of dollars for a short survey should immediately raise concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Real companies may conduct surveys, but unsolicited high-value reward claims are frequently abused by scammers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Never Pay Shipping For A Surprise Prize<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a message says you won a free Costco gift but must pay a small shipping fee, assume it is suspicious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is one of the most common ways scammers steal card details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check The Sender And URL Carefully<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look beyond the display name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check the real email address, domain, and link destination. If anything looks unrelated to Costco, do not proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do Not Enter Personal Information Through Random Links<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, and card details are valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not provide them to a page reached through an unexpected reward message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep Your Browser And Security Software Updated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Updates help protect against malicious pages, browser exploits, and known phishing sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Block And Report Scam Messages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mark suspicious emails as phishing. Report scam texts as spam. This helps reduce similar messages in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"mwtad4189908276\" class=\"gas_fallback-ad_381392-ad_309691-placement_381395\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7750719144850257\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-7750719144850257\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"2944237110\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2>Is Your Device Infected? Run a Free Malware Scan<\/h2>\n\n<p>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 <strong>Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free<\/strong> \u2014 one of the most trusted malware removal tools available.<\/p>\n\n<p>The free version detects and removes the most common threats, including:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Adware<\/strong> \u2014 the cause of those annoying pop-ups<\/li>\n<li><strong>Browser hijackers<\/strong> \u2014 unwanted redirects and changed homepages<\/li>\n<li><strong>Trojans and spyware<\/strong> \u2014 hidden programs stealing your data<\/li>\n<li><strong>Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs)<\/strong> \u2014 software you never asked for<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <strong>Select your device below<\/strong> \u2014 Windows, Mac, or Android \u2014 then follow the simple steps to download Malwarebytes, scan your system, and remove any threats it finds. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Malwarebytes for Windows<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Malwarebytes for Mac<\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Malwarebytes for Android<\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Malwarebytes for Windows\">\n\n<h3 id=\"windowsh3\" class=\"toch3\">Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Windows<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Malwarebytes<\/strong> is one of the most popular and trusted anti-malware tools for Windows \u2014 and it&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Malwarebytes<\/p> <p>Click the button below to download the latest version of <strong>Malwarebytes for Windows<\/strong> from the official source. The free version is all you need \u2014 it will scan your computer and remove adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious software at no cost.<\/p> <div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-81150 mwt_product_icon_logo\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Malwarebytes-LOGO.png\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Logo\"\/><\/figure> <strong><a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/downloads\/MBSetup-076886.076886-consumer.exe\" onclick=\"window.open(&#039;https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/get\/malwarebytes-free&#039;);\">DOWNLOAD MALWAREBYTES FOR WINDOWS (FREE)<br \/>\n<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em class=\"small-text-disclaimer\">(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install Malwarebytes<\/p>\n\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <strong>Downloads<\/strong> folder and <strong>double-click the MBSetup file<\/strong>. If Windows shows a <strong>User Account Control<\/strong> pop-up, click &#8220;<em>Yes<\/em>&#8221; to allow the installation.<\/p>\n\n \n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"975\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285934\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1.jpg 975w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM1-300x154.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 975px) 100vw, 975px\" \/><\/figure>\n \n\n \n  \n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes<\/p> \n\n<p>The setup wizard will walk you through a few quick screens:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n \n  <li>\n    <p>Choose where you&#8217;re installing the program \u2014 &#8220;<strong>Personal Computer<\/strong>&#8221; or &#8220;<strong>Work Computer<\/strong>&#8221; \u2014 then click <strong>Next<\/strong>.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"737\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285953\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1.jpg 737w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM3-1-300x204.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 737px) 100vw, 737px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>Malwarebytes will now install on your device. This usually takes under a minute.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"759\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285937\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4.jpg 759w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM4-300x198.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 759px) 100vw, 759px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>When installation is complete, the &#8220;<strong>Welcome to Malwarebytes<\/strong>&#8221; screen will open automatically.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"705\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285951\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1.jpg 705w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM6-1-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 705px) 100vw, 705px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n  <li>\n    <p>On the final screen, click <strong>Open Malwarebytes<\/strong> to launch the program.<\/p>\n    \n    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\n      <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"749\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285952\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1.jpg 749w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM5-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 749px) 100vw, 749px\" \/>\n    <\/figure>\n    \n  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Enable &#8220;Scan for Rootkits&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Before scanning, turn on rootkit detection so Malwarebytes can find even the most hidden threats. Click the <strong>Settings<\/strong> gear icon on the left side of the screen.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285942\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM8-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the settings menu, find &#8220;<strong>Scan for rootkits<\/strong>&#8221; and click the toggle so it turns blue.\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"841\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285943\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9.jpg 841w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM9-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 841px) 100vw, 841px\" \/><\/figure>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Done? Click &#8220;<strong>Dashboard<\/strong>&#8221; in the left pane to return to the main screen.\n\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start the Scan<\/p> <p>Click the blue <strong>Scan<\/strong> button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its virus database and start checking your computer for malware.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"849\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285941\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10.jpg 849w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM10-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 849px) 100vw, 849px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>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 \u2014 just check back occasionally to see the progress.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285944\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM11-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Quarantine the Detected Threats<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, you&#8217;ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found \u2014 malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. Click the &#8220;<strong>Quarantine<\/strong>&#8221; button to remove all of them at once.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285945\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM12-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<p>Malwarebytes will now remove the malicious files and registry entries and move them safely into quarantine.\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"842\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285946\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13.jpg 842w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM13-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 842px) 100vw, 842px\" \/><\/figure>\n <\/p><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n  <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Restart Your Computer<\/p>\n  <p>Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot. If Malwarebytes asks you to restart, click <strong>Yes<\/strong>. Once you&#8217;re logged back in, your PC is clean and you can continue with the next steps in this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"844\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-285947\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14.jpg 844w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/MBAM14-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 844px) 100vw, 844px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<p>When the scan finishes, click <strong>Quarantine<\/strong> to remove everything Malwarebytes found. That&#8217;s it \u2014 your Windows PC is now clean of trojans, adware, and other malware, and should be back to running smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<br \/>If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Run a computer scan with <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eset.com\/us\/home\/online-scanner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ESET Online Scanner<\/a><\/strong><\/li><li>Ask for help in our <strong><a title=\"Malware Removal Assistance for Windows\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/forums\/windows-malware-removal-help-support.10\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Windows Malware Removal Help &amp; Support<\/a><\/strong> forum.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Malwarebytes for Mac\">\n\n<h3 id=\"mach3\" class=\"toch3\">Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Mac<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Malwarebytes for Mac<\/strong> is a free on-demand scanner that removes the malware other security software tends to miss \u2014 adware, browser hijackers, and unwanted programs included. Cleaning an infected Mac with Malwarebytes has always been completely free, and it&#8217;s our go-to recommendation. Follow the steps below to scan and clean your Mac in just a few minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Malwarebytes for Mac<\/p>\n<p>Click the button below to download the latest version of <strong>Malwarebytes for Mac<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-81150 mwt_product_icon_logo\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Malwarebytes-LOGO.png\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\"\/><\/figure><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/prf.hn\/click\/camref:1011lvqrV\/creativeref:1011l100234\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">DOWNLOAD MALWAREBYTES FOR MAC (FREE)<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em>(The link opens in a new page where your download will start)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Open the Malwarebytes setup file<\/p>\n<p>When the download finishes, open your <em>Downloads<\/em> folder and <strong>double-click the setup file<\/strong> to begin the installation.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98734 alignnone\" title=\"Double-click on setup file to install Malwarebytes\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer.jpg\" alt=\"Double-click on setup file to install Malwarebytes\" width=\"750\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-300x170.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes<\/p>\n<p>The <em>Malwarebytes for Mac Installer<\/em> will guide you through a few quick screens. Click &#8220;<strong>Continue<\/strong>&#8221; and keep following the prompts until the installation completes.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98735 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-1.jpg\" alt=\"Click Continue to install Malwarebytes for Mac\" width=\"750\" height=\"532\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-1.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-1-300x213.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98736 alignnone\" title=\"Click again on Continue to install Malwarebytes for Mac for Mac\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-2.jpg\" alt=\"Click again on Continue to install Malwarebytes for Mac\" width=\"750\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-2.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-2-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98737 alignnone\" title=\"Click Install to install Malwarebytes on Mac\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-4.jpg\" alt=\"Click Install to install Malwarebytes on Mac\" width=\"750\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-4.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Installer-Step-4-300x212.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>When the installation is complete, Malwarebytes opens to the <em>Welcome to Malwarebytes<\/em> screen. Click &#8220;<strong>Get started<\/strong>&#8220;.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Select &#8220;Personal Computer&#8221; or &#8220;Work Computer&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Malwarebytes will ask what type of computer you&#8217;re installing it on. Click either <strong>Personal Computer<\/strong> or <strong>Work Computer<\/strong>, whichever applies.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98740 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Select-Personal-Computer.jpg\" alt=\"Select Personal Computer or Work Computer mac\" width=\"750\" height=\"537\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Select-Personal-Computer.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Select-Personal-Computer-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Start the Scan<\/p>\n<p>Click the &#8220;<strong>Scan<\/strong>&#8221; button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its detection database and begin checking your Mac for malware.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98733 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Click-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"Click on Scan button to start a system scan Mac\" width=\"750\" height=\"538\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Click-Scan.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Click-Scan-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Scan to Finish<\/p>\n<p>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 \u2014 just check back occasionally to see the progress.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98739 alignnone\" title=\"Wait for Malwarebytes for Mac to scan your computer\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Scanning-for-malware.jpg\" alt=\"Wait for Malwarebytes for Mac to scan for malware\" width=\"750\" height=\"536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Scanning-for-malware.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Scanning-for-malware-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Quarantine the Detected Threats<\/p>\n<p>When the scan is done, you&#8217;ll see a list of everything Malwarebytes found. Click the &#8220;<strong>Quarantine<\/strong>&#8221; button to remove all the threats at once.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98732 alignnone\" title=\"Review the malicious programs and click on Quarantine\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Click-Confirm.jpg\" alt=\"Review the malicious programs and click on Quarantine to remove malware\" width=\"750\" height=\"538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Click-Confirm.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Click-Confirm-300x215.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li> <p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Restart Your Mac<\/p> <p>Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files it found. Some threats can only be fully removed after a reboot \u2014 if Malwarebytes asks you to restart, allow it. Once you&#8217;re logged back in, your Mac is clean.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"536\" class=\"size-full wp-image-98738 alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Restart.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes For Mac requesting to restart computer\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Restart.jpg 750w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Malwarebytes-Mac-Restart-300x214.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><br \/><\/p> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<br \/>If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our <strong><a title=\"Mac Malware Removal Help &amp; Support\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/forums\/mac-malware-removal-help-support.183\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mac Malware Removal Help &amp; Support<\/a><\/strong> forum.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"Malwarebytes for Android\">\n\n<h3 id=\"androidh3\" class=\"toch3\">Run a Malware Scan with Malwarebytes for Android<\/h3>\n\n<p>Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Download Malwarebytes for Android.<\/p>\n<p>You can download <strong>Malwarebytes for Android<\/strong> by clicking the link below.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-81150 mwt_product_icon_logo\" title=\"Malwarebytes Icon\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/Malwarebytes-LOGO.png\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Logo\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"mwt_download_box\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=org.malwarebytes.antimalware&#038;hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">MALWAREBYTES FOR ANDROID DOWNLOAD LINK<\/a><\/strong><br \/><em>(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes for Android)<\/em><\/div>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Install Malwarebytes for Android on your phone.<\/p>\n<p>In the Google Play Store, tap &#8220;<strong>Install<\/strong>&#8221; to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106940\" title=\"Tap Install to install Malwarebytes for Android\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Google-Play-App.jpg\" alt=\"Tap Install to install Malwarebytes for Android\" width=\"292\" height=\"580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Google-Play-App.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Google-Play-App-151x300.jpg 151w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>When the installation process has finished, tap &#8220;<strong>Open<\/strong>&#8221; to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106941\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Open-App.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes for Android - Open App\" width=\"292\" height=\"578\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Open-App.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Open-App-152x300.jpg 152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process<\/p>\n<p>When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the <em>Malwarebytes Setup Wizard<\/em> which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options.<br \/>This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106944\" title=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 1\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-1.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 1\" width=\"292\" height=\"577\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-1.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-1-152x300.jpg 152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><br \/>Tap on &#8220;<strong>Got it<\/strong>&#8221; to proceed to the next step.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106945\" title=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 2\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-2.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 2\" width=\"292\" height=\"580\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-2.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-2-151x300.jpg 151w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><br \/>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 &#8220;<strong>Give permission<\/strong>&#8221; to continue.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106946\" title=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 3\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-3.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 3\" width=\"292\" height=\"570\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-3.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-3-154x300.jpg 154w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><br \/>Tap on &#8220;Allow&#8221; to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106947\" title=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 4\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-7.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes Setup Screen 4\" width=\"292\" height=\"573\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-7.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Setup-Wizard-7-153x300.jpg 153w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android<\/p>\n<p>You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106939\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Fix-Issues.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes fix issue\" width=\"292\" height=\"579\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Fix-Issues.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Fix-Issues-151x300.jpg 151w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<p>Click on &#8220;<strong>Update database<\/strong>&#8221; to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on &#8220;<strong>Run full scan<\/strong>&#8221; to perform a system scan.<\/p>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106948\" title=\"Update database and run Malwarebytes scan\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Update-Run-Scan.jpg\" alt=\"Update database and run Malwarebytes scan on phone\" width=\"291\" height=\"575\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Update-Run-Scan.jpg 291w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Update-Run-Scan-152x300.jpg 152w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 291px) 100vw, 291px\" \/><\/figure><p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.<\/p>\n<p>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.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106943\" title=\"Malwarebytes scanning phone for malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Scanning-for-Malware.jpg\" alt=\"Malwarebytes scanning Android for Vmalware\" width=\"292\" height=\"579\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Scanning-for-Malware.jpg 292w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Scanning-for-Malware-151x300.jpg 151w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 292px) 100vw, 292px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Click on &#8220;Remove Selected&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p>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 &#8220;<strong>Remove Selected<\/strong>&#8221; button.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-106942\" title=\"Tap on the Remove button to get rid of malware\" src=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Removing-Malware.jpg\" alt=\"Remove malware from your phone\" width=\"760\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Removing-Malware.jpg 760w, https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Malwarebytes-for-Android-Removing-Malware-300x237.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p class=\"mwt_quick_overview\">Restart your phone.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<hr \/>\n\n<p>After the scan, tap <strong>Remove Selected<\/strong> to delete all detected threats. Your Android phone is now clean \u2014 no more malicious apps, adware, or browser redirects.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<br \/>If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Restore your phone to factory settings by going to <em>Settings &gt; General management &gt; Reset &gt; Factory data reset.<\/em><\/li><li>Ask for help in our <strong><a title=\"Mobile Malware Removal Help &amp; Support\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/forums\/mobile-malware-removal-help-support.165\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mobile Malware Removal Help &amp; Support<\/a><\/strong> forum.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<h3>Stay Protected: Block Ads and Malicious Sites<\/h3>\n\n<p>Now that your device is clean, keep it that way. Most infections start with a malicious ad or a fake download button \u2014 so blocking them at the source is your best defense.<\/p>\n\n<p>We recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/adguard.com\/?aid=29616\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><strong>AdGuard<\/strong><\/a>, which blocks malicious ads, phishing pages, and dangerous redirects before they can reach you.<\/p>\n\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 <a href=\"https:\/\/adguard.com\/?aid=29616\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><strong>Download AdGuard and browse safely<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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, \u201cqualify\u201d for a reward, then provide sensitive information or pay a small shipping fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That small fee can lead to card fraud, hidden subscriptions, identity theft, malware, or more targeted scams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s official website or customer service.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you already entered information, act quickly. Contact your bank, change passwords, monitor accounts, scan your device, and report the scam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is the Costco survey reward real?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the Costco Survey Scam?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why do scammers ask for a small shipping fee?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u201cshipping fee\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What fake prizes are used in the Costco Survey Scam?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common fake prizes include $500 Costco gift cards, Ninja CREAMi machines, Yeti coolers, Samsung TVs, air fryers, and other high-value products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should I do if I entered my card details?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I check if a Costco offer is real?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not click links in unsolicited emails or texts. Go directly to Costco\u2019s official website or contact Costco customer service through official channels.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Costco Survey Scam is a fake reward scheme that uses Costco\u2019s trusted name to trick people into The Costco Survey Scam is a phishing scheme that uses fake emails, texts, pop-ups, and social media &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Costco Survey Scam Warning: Fake Rewards, Gift Cards, and Free Product Offers\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/costco-survey-scam-warning-fake-rewards-gift-cards-and-free-product-offers\/#more-389861\" aria-label=\"Read more about Costco Survey Scam Warning: Fake Rewards, Gift Cards, and Free Product Offers\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":193630,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ai_generated_summary":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-389861","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-scam-reports","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-50","resize-featured-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/389861","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/50"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=389861"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/389861\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/193630"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=389861"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=389861"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/malwaretips.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=389861"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}