STATEN ISLAND, NY – Costco is cracking down on membership card abuse and has announced the installation of scanning devices at the entrances to many of its warehouse stores.
“In the coming months, member scanners will be deployed at the front door of your local warehouse,” the company said in a statement on its website. “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.”
According to reports in several publications, the change began earlier this year and now appears to be rolling out nationwide. In California, the new membership scanners have already been spotted at Costco stores in Huntington Beach and Inglewood.
At the time of publication, there was no indication of the change at the Staten Island store.
“If your membership is inactive or expired, or you would like to purchase a new membership, the associate will ask you to stop by the membership counter before entering the warehouse to shop,” Costco continued in the statement. “In addition, if your membership card does not have a photo, please have your valid photo ID ready. We encourage you to stop by the membership counter to have a photo taken for your card.”
