As Americans prepare to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, excitement over commemorative coins, patriotic merchandise and collectibles is growing. The Better Business Bureau says scammers are hoping to capitalize on that excitement by selling unofficial products that appear to be connected to the historic milestone.
The warning comes as the United States Mint rolls out its official Semiquincentennial program, which includes commemorative coins and medals along with five new quarter designs honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary. While legitimate America 250 collectibles are available, BBB officials say consumers should make sure commemorative coins are produced or authorized by the U.S. Mint before making a purchase.
“They’re using patriotic images. So we’re just automatically thinking, ‘Oh, yeah, this is the official coin,’” Karen Reeves of the Better Business Bureau said in an interview with WAFF.
“I think the thing to know and understand is anyone can manufacture a commemorative token or coin. Unless it is produced or authorized by the U.S. Mint, it is not an official U.S. commemorative coin.”
Reeves said counterfeit coins are often lightweight souvenir tokens with poor engraving or incorrect dates and designs. She also warned that scammers are marketing other commemorative products, including whiskey bottles advertised as collectible crystal items that turn out to be inexpensive plastic replicas. One consumer who sought a refund was told returning the product to China would cost nearly as much as the original purchase.
The Better Business Bureau’s published scam-prevention guidance recommends slowing down before making a purchase, especially when shopping online. Consumers should verify they are on the correct website, research unfamiliar businesses before ordering, use secure payment methods such as credit cards, and avoid paying with gift cards or wire transfers.
The organization also cautions shoppers not to assume a website or advertisement is legitimate simply because it uses official-looking logos, patriotic imagery or government-style branding.
For shoppers interested in commemorative coins, the safest approach is to verify products through the official U.S. Mint. Official America 250 merchandise is also available through the America250 program’s authorized online store.
As Independence Day approaches and communities across the country prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, consumer advocates say taking a few extra minutes to verify a seller can help ensure a patriotic purchase becomes a keepsake instead of an expensive lesson.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
