Costco is cracking down on non-members who use membership cards that do not belong to them.
The company has begun scanning membership cards at various locations. Instead of simply showing the card to an employee when entering big-box stores, the retailer asked members to scan the back of their card or their digital QR membership codes, KTLA reports.
The change began earlier this year and is now apparently being rolled out nationwide. In California, the new membership scanners have already been spotted at Costco stores in Huntington Beach and Inglewood.
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Costco confirmed the changes in a statement on its website.
“In the coming months, member scanners will be deployed at the front door of your local warehouse. Once deployed, all members will be required to scan their physical or digital membership card by holding the barcode or QR code to the scanner before entering. Guests must also be accompanied by a valid member to enter,” the warehouse chain said.
“If your membership is inactive or expired, or you would like to purchase a new membership, the employee will ask you to stop by the membership counter before entering the warehouse to shop. If your membership card does not have a photo, please also have your valid photo ID ready.”
Since Costco expanded its self-checkout lanes, the store has noticed non-members sneaking in with membership cards that don’t belong to them, CBS News reports.
“We don’t think it’s right for non-members to receive the same benefits and prices as our members,” Costco said of the change, according to CNN.
