Have you seen a Facebook ad offering a “Costco electric bike” for 70% off? Or maybe a sketchy website claiming to sell bikes with Costco logos for a fraction of the cost? You're not alone. As electric bikes become more popular and Costco continues to grow its e-bike offerings, scammers are capitalizing on the trend—and unsuspecting shoppers are paying the price.

This article breaks down how the Costco electric bike scam works, who’s behind it, how to identify fake offers, and what you can do to protect yourself. If you're thinking of buying an e-bike online—especially one claiming to be a “Costco deal”—read this first.

How the Costco Electric Bike Scam Works

Fake Websites & Ads

Scammers often create convincing websites that mimic Costco’s branding—logo, color scheme, even fake .com domains like “costco-bike-deals.com.” These sites feature unrealistically low prices (like $89 for an e-bike) and may include countdown timers or fake reviews to pressure users into acting fast.

Social Media Targeting

Fraudulent pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok run sponsored ads for “Costco Clearance E-Bikes.” They frequently show photos of real bikes sold at Costco, even including recognizable product names like “Favorite Hybrid CSC” or “Jetson Bolt.”

Payment Traps

Once you “buy” through these scam sites:

• You might be charged and never receive anything.

• You may receive a cheap item like a phone stand instead of an e-bike.

• Your credit card information could be stolen and sold.

Red Flags: How to Spot a Costco E-Bike Scam

1. Too Good to Be True Pricing

If a $1,799 CAD bike is listed for $89, it's not a sale—it's a scam.

2. Non-Costco Domains

Official Costco websites are only:

• costco.com (United States)

• costco.ca (Canada)

Any variation or “deals” website is fraudulent.

3. No Membership Requirement

Real Costco purchases usually require a valid membership. Scam sites never ask.

4. No Real Contact Information

Scam sites typically lack a phone number, customer service team, or mailing address.

5. Strange Payment Methods

If they push you to pay with Zelle, PayPal friends & family, crypto, or gift cards, walk away.

Who’s Behind These Scams?

Most of these schemes originate from overseas fraud networks that mass-produce scam sites. Once a site is flagged or taken down, a new one pops up under a different name. Because electric bikes are a trending, high-value item, scammers know there's a bigger payout for a successful con.

Costco itself is not responsible for these scams—they’re unauthorized third-party operations using the brand’s name without permission.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

• Contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately. Dispute the charge as fraudulent.

• Report the scam site to platforms like Google Safe Browsing, Facebook Ads, and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

• Monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity. If you entered personal information, consider freezing your credit.

• Warn others. Post a public warning or report the scam on social media to prevent more victims.

How to Buy a Legit Costco E-Bike

• Only purchase through Costco.com or Costco.ca

• Visit in-store to see actual models like the FavoriteBikes Hybrid CSC

• Check shipping details—Costco provides tracking and confirmation emails

• Review your order in your Costco member portal

• Use Costco Concierge Services for product support

Final Advice

Electric bikes are a fantastic investment, and Costco often offers great value. But don’t let a deal that's “too good to be true” tempt you into handing over your money—or your identity—to scammers. Take five minutes to verify the website, look for red flags, and when in doubt, buy directly from Costco’s verified platforms.

Think before you click. Stay informed. Stay protected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Costco ever sell e-bikes for $100 or less?
A: No. Costco e-bikes typically range from $599 to $2,499 depending on model and features. Any sub-$200 offer is almost certainly a scam.

Q: How can I verify if a site is really Costco?
A: Make sure the URL is either costco.com or costco.ca. Watch for typos, hyphens, and sketchy domains.

Q: What should I do if I gave my credit card to a fake site?
A: Contact your bank right away to cancel the card and dispute the charge. Report the site to the FTC and your local consumer protection agency.

Q: Can Costco refund me if I was scammed elsewhere?
A: No. Costco cannot process refunds or returns for purchases made through fraudulent third-party websites.

Q: Are there any verified Costco e-bikes available now?
A: Yes! Look for listings like the FavoriteBikes Hybrid CSC or Envo Lynx directly on Costco.ca or Costco.com.