Consumer Education

10-2014

By: Tom

This morning I checked my junk box here at the BBB and found the following e-mail:

Date: Fri 10/3/2014 9:01 AM

From: Sarah Knight <SarahKnight@median.oafup.com>

Subject: Costco: Giftcard Give Away Promo #5799639

$100 Costco Giftcard

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Promo #??????????????

—————————-

Loyal Costco Member ????????????@??????????????????????.???, ,

Costco appreciates your business.

Get details on how to claim your $100 Costco Giftcard here http://search.oafup.com

Redeem card by 10/3/2014

Update email preferences: http://end.oafup.com

4735 Vivamus Ave, Itzehoe, Germany, 90111

Here’s what we know. I contacted Costco and verified that this is not a valid Costco offer, and as you can see, the contact information isn’t in the state of Washington, where Costco is located. Also, a check on the website shows that it is a private registration in Panama. Again, this is nowhere near Washington state.

Your BBB wants to remind you that these kinds of offers could be a phishing expedition merely to obtain personal information that could lead to possible ID theft.

Even though an offer may be enticing, the best approach is to just leave it alone. Offers like this could cost you a lot, and your BBB wants to make sure you’re kept safe from phishing schemes that could separate you from your hard earned money.

For more information regarding suspicious offers visit bbb.org/council/bbb-scam-stopper or visit bbb.org/Evansville to check out businesses, charities in Southern Indiana, Southeast Illinois, and Henderson and Union Counties in Kentucky. The BBB promotes ethical business standards in the marketplace to assist both consumers and businesses that want to Start With Trust ®.

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Tom

Tom is Vice President for the Tri-State Better Business Bureau. In addition to answering the needs of our accredited businesses, Tom can be seen on WEVV providing tips for businesses and consumers. He also works closely with other local media outlets to keep our community informed of marketplace issues affecting our area.