TAMPA, Fla. – With the country’s 250th birthday celebration approaching, patriotic merchandise is flying off the shelves, but consumer watchdogs warn that scammers are taking advantage of the patriotic spending spree.
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Better Business Bureau scam warnings
What we know:
According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving West Florida, scammers are placing America 250 logos on various products, including wreaths, whiskey decanters, hats, and T-shirts.
“The advertisement for that product looks great and looks very pristine and high-end,” Bryan Oglesby of the Better Business Bureau serving West Florida said. “But when the consumers receive the product, it’s flimsy garbage. It’s not what they expected.”
The organization says some online purchases never arrive at all.
Unverified online America 250 products
What we don’t know:
It is unclear exactly how many shoppers have fallen victim to these counterfeit items across the country.
The Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker shows reports of fake merchandise, but the total financial impact of these online and social media scams remains unclear.
Shopping local for authentic goods
Local perspective:
Karen Post, president of the Tampa-based interior design studio Home Frosting, decided to create Prosperity Pillows for the summer celebration.
Post went through the process to obtain the official America 250 trademark for her merchandise.
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“I thought, ‘I’ve got to be a part of this once in a lifetime experience,’” Post said.
Post said shopping locally helps consumers avoid counterfeit products while supporting American-made businesses.
Tampa interior design studio efforts
Why you should care:
“Our products are made here in the United States,” Post said. “Every piece, the fabrics, the trims, the printing was done in St. Petersburg, the charms in Rhode Island.”
Post’s shop also sells candles made in Mississippi, as well as shirts, necklaces, and hand-painted ornaments from North Carolina.
Big picture view:
Obtaining the official trademark connected Post with other small businesses across the country.
A portion of every sale at her shop benefits Tunnel to Towers, an organization that provides mortgage-free homes to families of fallen military members and first responders.
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Avoiding fake America 250 products
What you can do:
The BBB recommends consumers research websites before making purchases online.
Experts say shoppers should:
- Check the website URL carefully
- Research reviews and complaints
- Verify where the company is based
- Be cautious of social media ads
- Shop local when possible
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