Happy 4th of July: Enjoy the Celebration, But Beware of Scams

When we think of 4^th of July festivities in the US, the first thing that comes to mind are fireworks, barbecues and patriotic pride. However, like with many other big days on the calendar, Independence Day gives scammers plenty of chances to find victims.

From fake online deals to phony travel offers, the 4th of July is prime time for cybercriminals and con artists to strike.

Here’s your yearly reminder to watch out for scams and easy ways to protect your wallet and personal data:

Fake Fireworks Websites and Sales

Since fireworks are in high demand and often sold out, scammers usually set up fake websites or social media ads offering “discounted” fireworks.

Red flags to watch for include:

• Too-good-to-be-true prices
• No contact info and vague location details.
• Requests for payment via crypto, Zelle, Venmo, or gift cards.

Related:

• What are Zelle scams and how to avoid them
• How do Venmo scams work, and how to avoid them

To stay safe, stick to reputable vendors and local stores. Don’t forget to check reviews, domain age, and contact information before making any online purchases.

Travel Scams

Many families hit the road for the long weekend, and scammer know it. This means phony last-minute hotel deals, fake rental listings, or spoofed airline offers.

Red flags include:

• Deep discounts from unfamiliar travel websites.
• Urgent messages pressuring immediate payment.
• Listings that won’t let you see the property before booking.

To ensure a smooth vacation, book through official hotel and airline sites. Use a trusted travel platform that also has buyer protection, and never pay for rentals via wire transfer or prepaid gift cards.

Related: Summer 2025 Travel Scams: How to Avoid Fake Hotel Booking Websites and Protect Your Vacation

 Merchandise & Giveaway Scams

Fake social media giveaways offering free flags, shirts, or BBQ equipment are common this time of year.

Red flags include:

• “You’ve won!” messages from pages you don’t follow alongside unsolicited emails and texts
• Links asking for personal or financial information to “claim your prize”
• Poor grammar and recently created profiles.
• Sponsored ads on social media platforms

The rule of thumb is that if you haven’t entered any official competitions or giveaways, you’re probably being scammed. Don’t click suspicious links or give out personal details. Report fake accounts to social platforms. If something is “free” but you need to pay for shipping or processing fees, it’s a scam.

 BBQ & Meat Delivery Scams

Some scammers create fake offers for bulk meat delivery, ideal for the 4th of July BBQ crowds – but customers either receive nothing or they get expired products.

Red flags include:

• Deals shared via Facebook Groups or sketchy SMS links.
• No return policy or vague product details.
• Unsecured checkout pages.

Research the company thoroughly before ordering by looking at reviews, and check for real contact info. Pay by credit card for purchase protection.

Phishing Emails with a Patriotic Twist

Be on the lookout for spam emails disguised as:

• 4th of July sales from big brands
• Charity donation requests for veterans
• Free tickets to local fireworks shows

These are often ploys to steal your login credentials or payment info. If a sales offer looks interesting, don’t click the link in the message. Instead, open your browser and access the official website of the brand directly (whether it’s a big retail giant like Amazon, Target, Costco or Walmart).

Related: Phishing Scams: How to Identify and Avoid Them

Stay Safe This 4th of July: Quick Tips

• Don’t trust deals that seem too good to be true
• Verify the source before clicking links or entering payment info
• Use a security solution and free scam detection tools like Bitdefender Scamio and Bitdefender Link Checker to check shady links
• Share this info with friends and family to protect more people.