Email · stamped SCAM

The email that is one big pictureSCAM

A real scam people fell for this year, next to the real thing. The numbers mark the three things to check: hover or tap one to see what it tells you.

Safe
MInbox (3) – Gmail×
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox
✎ ComposeInbox 3StarredSnoozedSent
This week's member deals
CCostco Wholesale <costco@digital.costco.ca>to me10:42 AM

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COSTCO. This week's member deals: patio sets, TVs and more. SHOP NOWThe whole email is one picture
Scam
MInbox (3) – Gmail×
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox
✎ ComposeInbox 3StarredSnoozedSent
Congratulations! Your $500 Costco gift card
CCostco Wholesale <members@cst-rewards.mailnode.co>to me10:42 AM

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COSTCO. YOU WON A $500 GIFT CARD! CLAIM NOWThe whole email is one picture

Always check the sender.

The whole email is one clickable picture with almost no real words, so spam filters can't read it, and it comes from an address that isn't Costco's. Real shops send pictures too, but from their own address.

Always checkThe real oneThe scam
1Where it livesCheck firstIs it the real company's or person's own address or number?

costco@digital.costco.ca is Costco's own address.

members@cst-rewards.mailnode.co uses Costco's name, but it isn't Costco's address.

2What it asks you to doDoes it want a password, a payment, a call, or a tap?

Look at this week's deals on costco.ca.

Click the picture to "claim" a $500 gift card.

3How hard it pushesIs there a deadline, a threat, or a surprise charge?

Deals that end next week.

A $500 prize "today only".

RememberAn email that is all picture, from an address you don't know, is a trick to slip past filters. Don't click it.

Would you have spotted it?

10 pairs like this one, three minutes, a score to share. Then find out who in the family is the easy mark.

Take the testNext scam: The "your points expire today" email →