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Have you seen ads promising easy money if you shrink-wrap your car — with ads for brands like Monster Energy, Red Bull, or Pepsi? The “company” behind the ads says all you have to do is deposit a check, use part of it to pay a specified shrink-wrap vendor, and drive around like you normally would. But don’t jump onto the bandwagon. It’s only easy money for the scammer who placed the ads.

How you spot the “offer”

You might see an ad on a job board or on social media. Or someone might send you a message — maybe because they saw your profile or resume on a job site.

How the scam works

The message says you’ll make a couple hundred bucks. But when the “company” sends you a check, it’s for much more than that — a couple thousand dollars. They tell you to deposit the check, keep part of it as your share, and wire the rest to another company that will wrap your car.

Weeks after you wire the money, the check bounces and your bank tells you it was a fake. The money you kept as “your share” disappears, and the money you wired is long gone — no getting it back. On top of that, you’re on the hook for paying your bank back for the fake check. And, of course, no one’s wrapping your car.

How you can tell it’s a scam

If you get a message urging you to deposit a check and wire money back, it’s a scam. Every time. No matter the story. And if this were a legitimate car wrap opportunity, wouldn’t the company directly pay the car-wrapping vendor, instead of asking you to do it?

Has this happened to you? File a complaint. Want to know more? Read our articles to learn how to spot variations on fake checks and money wiring scams.

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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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Disabled
February 20, 2019

In reply to by Scottdh13

I wish I had seen this. Why isn't this on the news warning people
Isn’t any way …
September 21, 2018
Isn’t any way this is going to happen. Same story...text, email, check coming, $500 weekly, pay wrap company. Hint water advertisement.
Linda
October 22, 2018
I recently received an email after signing up on one of those sites that says "make money from home". This specific email asked my for my location and the type of vehicle I had as if I am in one of their targeted areas for the "vehicle advertisement wrap" I could make money for just driving my vehicle around town. Several week later from answering the initial email I received a text asking if I was still interested. I said yes of which they confirmed my address and mailed me a check. Then I received specific instructions via text telling me to put the money in my account and then proceed to Wal-Mart to wire the funds to the person who would be installing the wrap. Well I did not follow the instructions, I took the check to my bank who passed it to the fraud department of which I hope these people get caught. This is the 4th time in 11 years that some one has tried to use me for fraud! When in doubt, contact your bank!
bgirl
September 25, 2018
This is a scam. I received a text message of earning $600 a week with a car wrap. I sounded like a great way to earn extra money. But when I received a check in the amount of $2500 with no paperwork with the check I began to do my research. Why would they send me a check to pay for the installation. They should pay the installers. Not me. I was asking them question about the company that was going to install the wrap and would they take it off and was your company going to be responsible if there were damages. I am not going to deposit the check because it is a scam. The address on check came from Interactive Brokers LLC; 16719 Huebner Rd Bldg 4; San Antonio, TX 78248. the address on envelope was Advantage Resourcing; 80 Chambers Blvd; Bardstoen,Ky 40004-9074
Rod in WV
September 29, 2018
Patrick Hans from Colgate just sent me a 1,465.00 check to wrap my car. 500 a week for 6 weeks. 3,000.00 to drive around in a tube of toothpaste. Lol. Think ill pass.
Crazy Old Coot
September 30, 2018
Conspiracy theory time.... What if the fake checks these people send out is a elaborate scheme by the banks to make us citizens pay the banks more.
cathycw88
October 03, 2018
I got a check today for $4500 from a Kierra L Fogle. I can’t believe they still had the nerve to send it as I’ve already told them I know they are a scam when they couldn’t answer basic questions I had for them. I believe it was for a car wrap for a company called “sweet treats”! I will not be cashing. It’s a check from Navy Federal Credit Union. Becareful folks!!
A.Web
October 03, 2018
Yeah the mewest scam is a Layswrap.com..i just got one..so be careful people!!
Don't use your…
October 06, 2018
Glad I checked. I was texted by a “wrap” company, $500 a week. They will be surprised to find out I do t use banks or checks. I only gave them my name and address. Then I got suspicious because there has been no MAIL on this. No co tract, no finding out where to deposit the payment they promise, no phone calls I lie even a number with which to call them. I figured if it’s too good to be true, it’s a scam. Thanks for all your information. You saved me.
Nancy
October 14, 2018
I didn't know it was a scam..I told them I was not interested anymore and they still sent the check.Now I don't know what to do with that check..I don't wanna have any problems.Should I take it to the police?
Wambliokiye
October 14, 2018
Yo! So i just got one, its from Lays and the only pay $200 and they pay for the wrap and pay for the removal of the wrap. I have the option to renew contact after the max time was met, minimum time is 8 weeks. Anyone get on from lays?
Smartmouth
November 20, 2018

In reply to by Wambliokiye

I got one from Lays 1998.00 and they told me to keep 250 and use the rest for the wrap.It came from Andrew Cole
Scammed 911
October 16, 2018
I'm going through this right now. What are we supposed to do with the check? And also I'm afraid because they know my name and address and the type of car I drive, what should I do.
Barbs
October 20, 2018
This is happening to me as we speak. Dr.Pepper is who contacted me. lol wish I could send you all the picture.
aburke86
October 31, 2018
Anyone receive one about Walmart from a Mario @ 424-261-4354?
Lnk
November 01, 2018
Received for Coca Cola Energy Drink today...
susan
November 06, 2018
I received a text message from a place called Xyience Energy Drink. They are supposedly sending me a check for the full amount and I am supposed to deposit it and take my part out. The guys name is Kevin Morgan but the wording on his email is really strange like he isn’t from the United States. How do I find out if the check is legit or not?
Scammed already
November 17, 2018
I was scammed by a fake mystery shopper program. The same way. I actually looked up the company but did not ask how they operated. I assumed it would work out. I lost about 1300 dollars due to this. I'm still fighting with my bank because they allowed it. I handed the check to the teller. Im currently working with consumer financial protection bureau to get it resolved. My bank is not covered under FDIC. So yes in short don't do it.
traci
November 19, 2018
Thanks to reading this I just called my bank. I deposited a check for 4800 bucks!!!! I called the bank and informed them of what could be going on. Luckily I hadn't spent the money yet!!! Still waiting for the bank to call me back after they confirm if the check is good or not. Mine was for 5 hour energy
Mike
November 26, 2018
angelicamanor94@ for this woman the SCAM for Bud Light Hello,John Criado we are sorry for the late payment it's Fedex courier service that have problem but it have been solved so we will like to bring to your notice that the check has been mailed to your address Via FEDEX with this tracking #783854028880 expenses and your first week payment for your "BUD LIGHT BEER "Auto wrap advertisement it will deliver to you today.So once you have the check take it to your bank and have it deposit and let me have the deposit slip to confirm the depositing then withdraw out our graphic designer funds out once the check clear your bank for more instruction to follow about to get the money to them and Our specialist will come to your place next day the check clear your bank to install the decal on your car asap. Get back to me once you got this message for the confirmation.
Rawiron1
November 20, 2018
I told them I only take payment in Bitcoin.
Jerry r
November 20, 2018
I got one of these today for 5,450, number 860 468 5448, from Sunoco, check is on mancora bar, purivan resturant. No nank information on the check. Mailed from vickie hernandez from bluebird corp. Number 478 822 2256 naturally no answer
mmlynch22
November 23, 2018
I just received a check for $2,500.45. It was for a car wrap. Check is from Spectrum Credit Union. Sounded too good to be true so I called SPECTRUM & they said it was a scam.
Destiny
November 26, 2018
Just got an email from Fujitsu Global from a David Goodman with the same thing wanting to wrap my car my check supposed to arrive today any suggestions
MALIFASENT
November 26, 2018
Dang, I was hoping this wasnt a scam ... too good to be true !! Has anyone cashed the check and NOT wired the money??? Scam the scammer, so to speak.
Ham3401
December 10, 2019

In reply to by MALIFASENT

Hello everyone, yes I cashed the check and told the scammer I changed my mind and did not to continue. They got mad and said quite a few things and wanted to know what kind of scam I was pulling. I told them all they had to do was to stop payment on the check. Well they never contacted me after this. I left the money in my bank for 2 years and the check cleared and I ended up with the 2500.00. I did inform my bank on what was going on and they told me that if nothing happens within 6 months, then the check would be declared dead and the money was good. I am thinking about doing this again. If you leave the money alone and don't spend it, you may be alright. Good luck.
Lisa cozad
November 26, 2018
I received a check from a bishop for 3150.00 Told mee he wanted a copy of deposit slip. I have to get 700.00 and pay the sweat treat prom the remaining amount...My question is what happens if I deposit the check. And wait to see if it's good or not
sunshine87
November 27, 2018
The scammers just sent me a text saying that they are mailing the check tomorrow and I told them not to bother they are a scam and I will report it. What if they send me the check? What should I do? Throw it in the garbage? Please, advise.
Fredsdaughter
November 27, 2018
I just received a check from Bubble up saying the same thing. I haven’t checked into it yet, but from what I’m reading this is a scam correct?
Bill
November 28, 2018
I just got a $1900 casheirs check from 5hour energy drink to wrap my car. They said deposit the quicly and the specialist who wraps the car will be intouch. I keep $500..00 and give the rest to the dpecialist
Uforic
November 29, 2018
This was sent to me...From John Cooper of Barrnes Moving Group Barrnes Moving Group, will like to put a small sticker of our new product on your CAR OR TRUCK and pay's you four hundred weekly. click on this to apply: https:// survey. zohopublic. com/ zs/ YMCs93 Recruitting Manager Barrnes Moving Group © 2018 Then This.... Dear Sir/Ma, This is to inform you that the payment you need for the advertisement to be pasted on your car will be mailed out to your address any moment from now. So kindly check your email everyday for updates. Terms and condition(s) Note: You will receive a check which will be issued out by our subsidiary company, it will cover your one weeks upfront payment including the expenses of the specialist/expert in fixing the decal advert wrap on your vehicle. This is done in order to avoid delay or any inconvenience that may arise from your part. Also we do not want you to involve any of your personal funds in this program that is why all fund is made available to you. Moreover, you do not need to drive to Specialist/experts handling the advert placement. For further information, you can get back to us to confirm you accept the Terms and condition(s). We look forward to working with You Soon. Regards Then This one..... Dear Sir/Ma, This is John Cooper, We acknowledge your confirmation and acceptance of this offer. Your application has been reviewed and approved. However, The payment for the first week upfront will be issue out to you, this is to inform you that the check will be deliver at any moment from now ? here is the Confirmation Tracking of the check # (9405510200883958367519) it was sent through USPS. The amount issued out is $3,980.39. I want you to proceed to your bank and deposit the check immediately you receive it, you can also make use of ATM or Online Mobile Banking to deposit, it will cleared within 24hrs of making deposit and after the check clears deduct $500 for the first week advance payment upfront and then the rest of the funds will be Transfer/Deposit in cash to the specialist/expert account that will come to fix the decal on your car .. Note : Get back to me when you do received the check through text only (813) 444-2351 Regards. Still waiting for the check as I just revived this email today. Nothing about a contract or what the advert is. No info on Barrnet Moving Group anywhere to be found on the internet. They use ZOHO Survey to get their application out to you. What a Joke. I WILL KEEP THE CHECK, and see how far I can take them. Here is his email address for all to contact: buellmillsaps252 @gmail. com
Uforic
December 01, 2018

In reply to by Uforic

UPDATE.... Got the check today by Priority Express mail. The check and instructions were just laying on the bottom of the envelope.The check has a legitimate bank name on it along with a legit company letterhead, minus a watermark. The instructions want my name, check#, and amount. Send it to autodecalteam@ or text to 240-237-xxxx. Now John Coopers text # is from Tampa FL. area. The Priprity Express envelope label says its from Gershwin Ventures out of L.A. Cal., (which is a parking lot) but post marked from Moffitt, OK. (small town outside FT. Smith). The small printed instruction text # is from Maryland (just north of D.C.. Boy they really get around. When they contact me, I'm going to tell then I decided to use the money for Christmas gifts and cordially thank them.
Don't use your…
October 29, 2019

In reply to by Uforic

You know it's got to be a scam right away, HOW MANY CORPORATIONS USE "GMAIL" EMAIL ADDRESSES? THINK ABOUT IT!
My.my.my
November 30, 2018
Redbull group messaged me today. I am glad I read all this. Texting the others to let them know
escott1033
December 03, 2018
I just recieved a check also - suppose to wrap my car - Fac Print Ad- called Fac print - never heard of car wrap - scam !!! but how do they make any money if u deposit check and bounces ?
Uforic
December 05, 2018

In reply to by escott1033

You are to deposit check into your bank account and the keep a few hundred for yourself, then send the rest to car wrap company. after a week or two the check bounces and you are liable for the total amount. Your car never gets wrapped and you are out the total amount of check.
Ponch
December 14, 2018
Just got this link through a text from (978) 331-0394. Hi,would you allow Amp EnergyDrink,to place decal on your car/truck and get $400 weekly,for more information kindly please visit https :// bit. ly/ 2xD7e3R and apply Https:// ampenergypepscoc. wufoo. com/ forms/ z1thexzp0b2sjp5/ AMP Energy Drink Application. Kindly Read & Understand The Below Content Carefully. Amp Energy (AMP) is an energy drink brand produced and owned by PepsiCo. At the time of its introduction in 2001, [1] Amp Energy was initially distributed under the Mountain Dew soft drink brand.[2] Since 2009, it has been produced and labeled under its own stand-alone trademark name.[3] The beverage is packaged in both 16-ounce and 24-ounce cans, and is sold in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Lebanon.[4] As of 2009, Amp Energy was the number four energy drink brand in the U.S. in terms of overall retail sales. We are currently seeking to employ individual’s Nationwide, Regular citizens to go about their normal routine as they usually do, only with a small advert for Amp Energy® plastered on your car. The advert are typically vinyl decals that almost seem to be painted on the vehicle. Also what does the Amp Energy® Drinks get out of this type of advert strategy? Lots of exposure and awareness. The adverts tend to be colorful, eye-catching and attract lots of attention. Plus, it's a form of advertising with a captive audience, meaning people who are stuck in traffic can't avoid seeing the wrapped car alongside them. This program will last for 12 weeks and the minimum you can participate is 8 weeks. Compensation: You will be compensated with $400 per week via Cashier's check which is essentially a payment for letting Amp Energy® use the space and no fee is required from you. Amp Energy® shall provide Vinyl car decals specialist that will handle the advert placing on your car. You will receive an up front payment inform of Cashier's check via USPS courier service for accepting to carry this advert on your car. It is very easy and simple and no application fees required to get started, fill the form below. Amp Energy® Car Advert Application Form.
badenewbyuk
December 14, 2018
This has happened a many of times I contacted so many people for this but they all told me if you found it just throw it in a bin. What I considered is it was so rude to take everyone's reaction. Then I started reporting against it. One person was captured but he was not aware about it
Having_Fun
December 06, 2018
After a few texts about this too good to be true car wrap I simply ask for company address and phone number. No response. A few days later they start texting again . "Don't you want this job?" I sent a link to this article. I also got out my red pen and mentioned all the mistakes they had made which let me know it's a scam. Anything that mentions wiring money is a red flag to me, also words certified bank check. Most Americans just say check. Most of these scams are in other countries and shut down long before they are found.
stapal2
December 07, 2018
I just take the check to the bank where it was issued. Try to cash the check and see what happens. If it works, good for me. If not, I am out any money.
afda
December 13, 2018
I received one from a Scott Lipesky saying that the UEFA is offering 300$ for 6 months to wrap your car. I got the information from a trusted job adviser but I guess she was fooled too. I haven't gotten anything in the mail yet but is there any way I can report it when I do?
FTC Staff
December 14, 2018

In reply to by afda

You can report to the FTC at www.FTC.gov/Complaint. The information you give goes into a secure database that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies use for investigations.

Melvin
December 16, 2018
After almost falling for it my wife and I felt a bit odd and just looked it up saw all these reviews realized it was a fraud because they are sending me a check for far more and they wanted me to deposit and send them money and keep the rest hahahaha
Retired LEO
December 17, 2018
Has anyone ever heard of wrapify and if the are a scam???
Duffy
December 17, 2018
I am certainly glad this site exists. I got a check from a Jeff McNaugh. 2500 dollars. I was suspicious, but this confirms it.
letslift44
December 27, 2018
I'm glad I read this, but I was thinking it was a scam from the begining, because nobody sends free money.
Big Dog
December 27, 2018
I gotten a text to be able to make extra money for wrapping and to do events for Cricket Wireless. There was a link to click on, so I did click on it. The website had pictures of Cricket Wireless store and cars with wrap on them. They had requirements of being 18+ years of age, need a valid drivers license, and so on. It also said they would do background check to see if I qualify. Had to apply to see if I qualify so far didn't get any other text and they didn't ask for bank info or anything else. I don't know how to contact Cricket to see if they do use contractors or not. Cricket only has customer service number. I guess I have to wait and see what they want to find out if it is a scam or not.
muzikman81
December 30, 2018
Got one for $3000 today. Was going nuts researching trying to figure out where some random check came from. After about 20 30 minutes, I remembered the text about wrapping my car, and went back and read it. Lo and behold, the text said they'd send me a check for $3000. Not gonna lie, I was very tempted to go cash it at Walmart
Random Person
December 29, 2019

In reply to by muzikman81

I was contacted by one of these scams. When I looked at the check, the routing number seemed wrong. It was only 7 digits long. I used Google to look it up. Sure enough, it was not a match to any US Banks. The closest match was to a bank in Idaho, and not the bank named on the check. Wal-Mart won't cash checks if their system cannot authenticate the routing number.