Top 5 July 4th scams to watch out for

3 days ago
2 min read

You might be off on July 4th but you can bet the scammers are working through the holiday weekend. 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States so their current strategy involves using a mix of classic holiday fraud and new, highly specific patriotic lures to steal your payment information and personal data.

The Takeaway

Here are the top July 4th scams to watch out for right now:

Counterfeit "America 250" Merchandise
Scammers are flooding social media with ads for "America 250" t-shirts, hats, and party gear. Many of these websites use official-looking logos and claim their inventory is Made in the USA. The reality? They're often cheap, overseas knock-offs or the shopping sites are completely fake, designed to strategically steal your credit card information.
The "250th Anniversary Gold Coin" Investment Trap
Fraudsters are heavily targeting social media platforms with emotional, high-pressure pitches to buy Official 250th Anniversary Gold Coins. The tell - they're urging you to act quickly, promising huge returns and using scammy claims like "to secure a legacy for your grandchildren." If an investment "opportunity" relies on a ticking clock or intense emotional pressure, it's almost certainly a scam.
Fake Event Tickets and VIP Parking
Local fireworks displays and 4th of July festivals are usually free, but scammers set up fake ticketing pages charging "admission." They'll also troll social media marketplaces selling fake tickets or VIP parking passes for concerts and major events.
Phony Veterans Charities
Holidays often inspire generosity. You can bet that scammers are well aware of our good nature, so they create fake charities claiming to support veterans, active-duty military or first responders. Often they'll use names that sound incredibly similar to legitimate, well-known non-profits. Always verify a charity on a site like Give.org before making a donation.
Package Delivery "Smishing"
With 4th of July sales in full swing, scammers are blasting text messages (smishing) claiming a package from USPS, UPS or FedEx couldn't be delivered. They provide a link to "update your delivery details," which actually sends you to a phishing site meant to steal your credentials or financial information.