Attention, Costco connoisseurs and savvy shoppers alike! It's time to scoop up some critical information that could save your bank account from a meltdown.

A chilling scam is swirling around, masquerading as a sweet deal that's anything but.

Let’s dish out the scoop on this frosty fraud to ensure you don't get licked by the latest scam.

Imagine the delight of receiving an offer for a “free” Ninja Creami Ice Cream maker just for being a loyal Costco shopper.

Sounds delightful, right? Wrong. Officials have issued a stern warning: this tempting treat is a trap designed to scoop up your hard-earned cash.

The scam is slick, with ads dressed up in Costco's iconic red, white, and blue, aiming to deceive even the most discerning of customers.

The message is enticing: “Dear Costco shopper, we would like to offer you a unique opportunity to receive a brand new Ninja Creami Ice Cream maker!” But beware—the sweetness is only skin deep.

Costco shoppers have been warned about a scam involving a fake free ice cream maker offer, supposedly from the retailer. Image source: ABC7 News Bay Area / Youtube.

The District Attorney's office has sounded the alarm, identifying this 'free ice cream maker' promotion as a phishing scam.

Its goal? To harvest your financial information or hack into your computer. Scammers are getting crafty, using reputable business names and branding to lure unsuspecting victims into their icy grip.

One telltale sign of this frosty fraud is the email address—it won't match Costco's official domain.

In this case, victims reported the domain “@handtoneed.net” as the source of the scam. Additionally, these con artists often impose a false deadline to provoke a hasty, unexamined response.

Costco's official stance is clear: they're not behind these too-good-to-be-true offers.

Their website lists known scams to keep customers informed and one step ahead of these deceptive practices.

As we navigate the digital marketplace, it's crucial to arm ourselves with knowledge and skepticism. Here are some top tips to keep your finances as secure as your favorite secret ice cream flavor:

- If an online deal seems too sweet, think twice. Scammers love to entice with unbelievable offers, especially on social media.
- Don't let panic dictate your actions. Scammers use urgency as a weapon—always verify the source before responding.
- Chase Bank advises customers to be wary of unexpected funds and to contact them before taking any action.
- Romance scams are rampant. Never send money to someone you've only met online or spoken to by phone.

- Keep your devices to yourself. Never grant remote access to your computer or phone to someone you don't know and trust.
- Be cautious at ATMs and avoid accepting help from strangers.
- Don't bite on bait that claims you've won a prize, especially if it asks you to click a link or send money.
- Report any suspicious activity to the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Source: ABC7 News Bay Area / Youtube.​

Remember, if you're unsure about a promotion or offer, reach out directly to the company through official channels.

Costco and other reputable businesses will never ask for personal information or financial details via unsolicited emails or texts.

Also read: Don't fall for this USPS text scam—protect yourself before it's too late!

Key Takeaways

• Costco shoppers have been warned about a scam involving a fake free ice cream maker offer, supposedly from the retailer.
  
• The false advertisement imitates Costco's branding and instructs customers to complete a survey for the gift, aiming to phish for personal financial information or computer access.
  
• The email address from the fraudulent ad, notably not from Costco's domain, is a clear indicator of the scam.
  
• Costco advises customers not to visit links or provide personal information from such offers and to report any scams to the relevant authorities.

Have you encountered a scam that seemed too good to be true? Do you have tips for spotting and avoiding these digital pitfalls? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!

 

[MaryM]

I found this in my emails today, I report these as scam and block them, but they come back as something different. I get these from another of different companies, and continue to report as scam and block them. A month later they come back.

 

[Michelle Engbino]

I found this in my emails today, I report these as scam and block them, but they come back as something different. I get these from another of different companies, and continue to report as scam and block them. A month later they come back.

Hi @MaryM! We understand how frustrating this can be for you. But it's a great job of you to stay persistent and vigilant with reporting and blocking these emails. Please continue to stay safe! Let's hope more action is done soon to prevent scams like these