Did Costco Recall Kirkland Toilet Paper? FALSE.
2020 brought about the global COVID-19 pandemic and Coronavirus quarantine. And, people reacting in fear have hoarded things like toilet paper, tissues, hand sanitizer and disinfectant. In an apparent retaliation, a rumor was started that Costco toilet paper was recalled. In other words, someone took the time to make up this elaborate lie.
The letter asks people to return their toilet paper to the store for a ‘partial’ refund. It seems that the creator of this hoax wanted to be able to buy TP.
The Claim:
A letter shared widely on social media alleges that Costco recalled toilet paper.
There has been a recall on Kirkland Signature bath tissue at your local Costco warehouse between February 1, 2020 and March 9, 2020.
Due to recent global events our bath tissue has been contaminted [SIC] with Coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) the bath tissue has been containted [SIC] due to the item being manufactred [SIC] in China.
COVID-19 may cuase [SIC] flu like symtoms [SIC] like high fever, headaches, shortness of breath and cough. More serious infections can occur in young children, elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.
COVID-19 WILL NOT cause diarrhea or anything related to the use of bath tissue.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 please just wash your hands with soap and water and don’t touch your face.
Please return your Kirkland Signature bath tissue back for a partial refund.
Sincerely,
Costco
Findings (What makes it fake?)
- First of all, the typos and misspellings alone should alert you to the fact that this did not come from Costco. I’ve typed in the text of the letter, noting the typos with [SIC] which means “same in copy” to note that they’re not my typos, they are in the original that way.
- The letter suggests that people return their TP to the store for a partial refund. Anyone who shops at Costco knows they will give you a full refund for almost anything. Certainly if there was something wrong with an item and it was actually recalled, they would give you a full refund.
- This is taken from a real Costco recall: Delivering the highest quality product to our customers is of utmost importance to us. Therefore, we would like to offer you the opportunity to return the product if you choose. To arrange a full refund, please return the item to your nearest Costco store as soon as possible.
Conclusion:
False.
This is not a legit recall; it is a hoax.
To stay safe we highly recommend that you read our Big List of Fakes and learn how to protect yourself on every single freebie you sign up for. Read also: Getting Started with Gimmie.
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