A new email scam promising a free Thanksgiving meal from Costco is circulating nationwide, and officials warn that Chattooga County residents should be on alert. The message, which appears to come from Costco, offers an “exclusive gourmet Thanksgiving turkey dinner” in exchange for completing a short survey.

While the email uses Costco’s logo and looks legitimate, it is part of a phishing scheme designed to trick users into clicking a link. Those who open the embedded “Get it now” button may unknowingly install malware on their device or provide personal information to scammers pretending to collect feedback.

The scam has spread quickly across social media, with users on Facebook and Reddit reporting nearly identical emails. The messages often create a sense of urgency—claiming the offer is “limited-time”—in hopes of pushing people to click without thinking.

Costco is not offering free Thanksgiving meals, and cybersecurity experts are urging shoppers to delete the email immediately. Anyone who provided information through the fake survey is advised to change passwords and monitor accounts for suspicious activity.

Residents in Chattooga County should know that the closest Costco location is in Catoosa County, near Ringgold and Fort Oglethorpe—making Costco-branded scams especially easy to fall for during the holiday season.

The Federal Trade Commission recommends reporting the message to help prevent others from being targeted. Costco customers with questions about their accounts can contact the company’s customer service department directly.

As Thanksgiving approaches, authorities remind the public to be wary of unsolicited emails offering giveaways, rewards, or free meals—particularly those requesting personal information or immediate action.