A scam involving Costco (COST) has been circulating consumer phones via a text message promising free merchandise from the wholesale retailer. While most people would be thrilled to receive anything free from Costco, the text message is a scam, and customers should beware before clicking on the link.

According to Costco Deals, the text message tells consumers that they can receive $130 in Costco freebies as part of the COVID-19 stimulus packaged just by clicking on a link to take a customer survey.

As easy as this sounds, it is too good to be true, and no free items will be available from Costco from this scam advertisement.

As some commenters on the social media post that shared that the text message was a scam pointed out, the message does not come from Costco directly, which is a clear indication that it is not a legitimate promotion.

The scam is preying on consumers that are looking to stock up on groceries as they practice social distancing by staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic. The scam, in particular, may be targeting elderly folks that may be in need of groceries during the COVID-19 crisis.

Shares of Costco stock were down 0.49% as of 3:02 p.m. EDT on Tuesday.

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A worker pushes carts outside a Costco Wholesale store on May 31, 2006, in Mount Prospect, Illinois. Tim Boyle/Getty Images
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