Identifying And Avoiding Sams Club Survey Scams Offering Free Products

Multiple sources warn consumers about fraudulent emails and websites impersonating Sam's Club to promote fake survey offers. These scams promise significant rewards, such as gift cards or free electronics, in exchange for completing a short questionnaire. However, the provided documentation reveals that these offers are designed to trick users into hidden subscription fees or unauthorized credit card charges rather than providing legitimate free samples or promotional rewards.

According to MediaPost and Snopes, a prevalent scam involves emails claiming to be a "Sam's Club Shopper Survey" that promises a $50 or $90 gift card. These emails originate from addresses ending in @sendinblue.com rather than the official @samsclub.com domain. Snopes confirms that clicking the link redirects users to third-party websites unrelated to Sam's Club. After a brief survey, users are presented with offers for "free" products, including a RoboKleen Vacuum, iPad Pro, Everclean Portable Vacuum, Hi-Tech Wireless Ear Pods, 5.3K60 Sports Action Cam, Hair Halo Sonic Blow Dryer, Ring Video Doorbell, and a Ninja NeverDull Knife Set. While these offers claim to require only a payment for shipping and handling, Snopes warns that they are often part of hidden subscription scams. These scams bury monthly subscription fees within the terms and conditions, which are often not visible on the checkout page.

Fox News reported a variation of this scam involving a promise of a $100 reward. The email utilized the official Sam's Club logo and color scheme to appear legitimate. The article notes that while victims may not enter a credit card number during the initial survey, the links can lead to sites that harvest personal information or install malware. The report emphasizes that legitimate companies rarely ask for sensitive information via unsolicited email links.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) received a report from a consumer in Pennsylvania who fell victim to a Sam's Club survey scam. The victim paid $9.75 for shipping on a promised "free" gift (a Nintendo Switch) but received a MaxChoice video doorbell instead. The company, identified as "trendy device commerce," allegedly threatened to charge the victim more money if they did not leave a product review. The victim reported losing $10 and cancelled their credit card to prevent further theft. The phone number provided in the report is (833) 813-1752.

In contrast to these fraudulent activities, the provided documentation outlines a legitimate feedback program called the "Member's Mark Community." This program, managed by Reach3 Insights, is an exclusive community for Sam's Club members to voice opinions on products and packaging. Participation is rewarded through a points system. Members earn points for completing surveys and participating in activities, which can be redeemed for rewards. Occasionally, members may receive exclusive access to products not yet available for purchase. This legitimate program requires membership and does not demand shipping fees for "free" gifts in exchange for survey completion.

Consumers should remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited emails promising monetary rewards or free electronics. Legitimate Sam's Club communications will originate from an @samsclub.com email address and will not require payment for "free" samples or rewards.

Conclusion

The provided source material confirms the existence of widespread phishing scams impersonating Sam's Club to solicit payment for hidden subscriptions or to steal financial information. These scams utilize professional-looking branding to deceive consumers into believing they are participating in a legitimate survey for high-value rewards. Conversely, the documentation confirms that Sam's Club does operate a legitimate feedback program called the Member's Mark Community, which rewards members with points for sharing opinions, but this program does not involve the shipping fees or product offers seen in the scams.

Sources

1. MediaPost
2. Snopes
3. Fox News
4. Better Business Bureau
5. Member's Mark Community FAQ