This scam is one that’s been making the rounds in inboxes everywhere. It looks innocent enough: you receive an email that appears to come from a well-known company like Costco, Walmart, or another trusted brand. The message promises a free gift if you complete a short survey and pay a small shipping fee to have it delivered. To create a sense of urgency, the email might even claim that only a few gifts remain.
All you have to do is click the link, fill out the survey, and enter your payment information—right? Wrong.
What’s Really Happening
The website and survey are completely fake, and the gift doesn’t exist. That “small shipping fee” is actually a ploy to steal your credit card details. Once scammers have your payment information, they can:
- Make unauthorized purchases with your card.
- Sell your financial data on the dark web.
- Use your personal details for identity theft.
It’s a classic phishing scam—designed to look trustworthy, but really just a trap.
How to Protect Yourself
Keep yourself and your information safe by following these simple tips:
- Don’t share card details for a “free” item. Legitimate companies won’t ask for credit card info to cover shipping on something they claim is completely free.
- Go straight to the source. If you’re curious about an offer, type the company’s official website into your browser instead of clicking the link in the email.
- Trust your instincts. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is—even if it looks like it’s coming from a brand you know and trust.
Bottom line: Always pause and think before you click. Scammers thrive on urgency and excitement—don’t give them the chance to steal your money or your identity.