As Americans prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday alongside the Fourth of July holiday, the Better Business Bureau of Central & South Alabama is warning consumers to watch for scammers capitalizing on the historic milestone.

According to the BBB, holiday shoppers are increasingly being targeted by fraudulent sellers offering fake anniversary coins, counterfeit merchandise and phony event tickets tied to America’s semiquincentennial celebration.

The anniversary has created an especially attractive opportunity for scammers this year. The U.S. Mint is releasing official semiquincentennial coins and medals honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary, retailers are launching America 250-themed merchandise and communities across the country are planning larger fireworks displays and festivals.

Scammers are taking advantage of the excitement by marketing counterfeit products labeled as “America 250” or “official,” including coins, porch banners, whiskey decanters, hats and T-shirts. In many cases, consumers receive low-quality knockoffs or nothing at all.

“Scammers love a big moment, and a 250th birthday gives them plenty to work with,” said Evey Owen, Vice President at the BBB of Central & South Alabama. “From commemorative coins and t-shirts or that too-good-to-be-true sale, the safest move is for each of us to slow down and buy straight from the source.”

The BBB highlighted several reports submitted to BBB Scam Tracker that illustrate how the scams work.

One Enterprise resident reported purchasing two 250th anniversary whiskey bottles for $94.97 after seeing them advertised as crystal bottles with an elaborate carved design commemorating the anniversary.

“I ordered two 250th anniversary whisky bottles from this company for a total price of $94.97. They were supposed to be made of crystal with an elaborate carved design depicting the 250 Anniversary ... What I received was two cheap plastic bottles (smaller than shown in their ad) with a decal for the design and a plain stopper that didn't even fit the bottle.”

When the customer sought a refund, the company allegedly said return shipping would cost $80 because the products had to be shipped back to China.

Another complaint began with a social media advertisement for anniversary apparel.

“[Saw a] Facebook ad for 250th shirt. Great picture, poor quality when received. No way to return despite promise of easy return. Only contact info is email address that does not work.”

The BBB said consumers should be alert for several warning signs, including prices on coins, merchandise or event tickets that seem too good to be true. Other red flags include unknown sellers on social media or pop-up websites claiming to offer “official” America 250 products, tickets sold exclusively through social media posts, direct messages or resale links and lookalike websites with slightly altered web addresses that do not include “https” and a lock symbol.

Requests for payment through gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency should also raise concerns, according to the BBB.

To avoid becoming a victim, the BBB recommends purchasing official anniversary coins directly from https://USmint.gov and merchandise from https://Store.America250.org. Consumers should also buy tickets only from official event organizers or venues when admission fees are required.

The organization encourages shoppers to verify website security before making purchases by checking that web addresses begin with “https” and display a lock symbol. Consumers are also urged to carefully review web addresses for subtle misspellings or variations from legitimate retailer names.

Before donating to patriotic or veteran-related causes, donors should research organizations through https://Give.org to confirm funds are reaching intended recipients.

The BBB also advises paying with a credit card whenever possible because consumers may be able to dispute charges if products never arrive or differ significantly from what was advertised.

Anyone who encounters a suspected scam is encouraged to report it through https://BBB.org/ScamTracker. Consumers can also visit https://BBB.org to research businesses or file complaints and https://Give.org to evaluate charities before donating.