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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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DMC55
January 29, 2020
My $4650.00 check came with a letter similar to all of you, but I was not instructed to send any money anywhere. Just that the balance after I get my $500. weekly pay , the balance will be for the technican/installer. They do want to know when the funds will be available in your acct. So if you send them that information of say 10days or more what are they going to say then? Because only you can take money out of your account, its not like , once they know it is there , they are going to file for it as a transaction you made. Anyway, I just thought I would share the # to text is 315-320-6845 email is , caronjhn @ Also I was not told what wrap they wanted to put on my car. This came UPS From: LOGISTICS MANAGER @ FASTENAL COMPANY (which I looked up) Winona, MN (which is where there corp office is). So I am going to wait this one out, they have not contacted me to see if or when I was going to cash check.
wendie
January 29, 2020
Has neone gotten one from Izzy juice and if so ligit or scam
pookie21
March 09, 2020
I was contacted via text by someone claiming (not until I asked) I would get $400/week for 8 weeks. This was then demanded as their tone changed to threatening: I received a check for $2,550 Threatening me with forcing to contact the police if I did not deposit the check immediately Then telling me to immediately wire the money to another account for the car wrapper who is town and needs to schedule the wrapping I then asked about a formal contract and was told the car wrapper would bring it with them, so I had nothing to worry about. I asked it be emailed to me, they agreed and still have not send it hours later They want confirmation of the transfer then my installation will be scheduled It immediately raise suspicion why not pay the installer after the work was done in person? Or again, why wouldn't they pay them directly? Thank goodness I found this information online before wiring them anything? Thank you for the information...
kleem
February 01, 2020
Xerox texted me.and sent chdck for 2700.00. I thpught it was a scam but it was real i founf after i ripped up check
Slynnp
February 14, 2020
Got an email today from Hiball Organic Energy Drink about my car for advertisement. It hasn't mentioned the money situation yet but thats why i have been reading about it ,sounds too easy.
AmericanMother
February 14, 2020
From email: rodneyd miller70@ Jones Soda CO will like to put a small sticker of our new product on your CAR OR TRUCK to get you Five hundred weekly ($500). click on the link to APPLY HERE : o6cl1t7 yvxai. wixsite. / jonasoda Recruitting Manager Jones Soda CO © 2019
Comma
February 03, 2020
I have been getting these things for years now, not much changes with them, doesnt matter what, letter and check/cashiers check/money orders/ electronic checks, and it doesnt matter what kind of employment/ job they need you to do from personal assistant, housekeeper, um to how its sent Email, Postal mail, or text messages, even in a group message. All of them will turn out to be scams! I have been able to be a little smarter then these guys but they keep coming back for more or sending their friends. Never ever deposit always if u still question it always take it to either bank its drawn on if local, if not the google, alexa, coranna, alex, or whatever other new search talk to your alexa ask where is that bank. If say its a real bank call them ask them to verify if it came from a legit account before cashing it. One out there ive experience which was a legit thing was standing outfront of a gas station with a couple tablets and get customers to take that gas stations survey that i recieved the tablets instructions incentive for customers when surveys complete. Everything was sent to me. I dont think i had to pay except getting to the stations werent reimbursed.
Nina B
February 03, 2020
I'm glad I came across this article because I was "this" close to going through with it. I started to ask questions like how is the designer gonna get the check and is there a website for the company. Of course they claim the server for their website is down. And I would be sending the designer their money via mail. I was like nah, i'm cool. I'll send your money back.
Cool-a-loop11
February 03, 2020
Hello——————— How are you doing,i’m Williams the Hiring Manger of MONSTER ENERGY DRINK COMPANY ADVERT PROGRAM you signup that you will be earning $700 weekly..Thanks for getting back to u with your information,we got the information and we are working on it ,Also you will Be Receiving a Check Of $3500 Included with the Specialist Funds that you will have to give to them once you have the cash which you will be giving to them to wrap your car. Thanks you The payment will be mail out first thing in Monday Morning and i will keep you posted with the tracking number of the package and t specialist information very soon Hello ——————— I got notify from usps that my check as been delivered to you . Kindly check your mail box and get back to me ASAP Thaanks for getting back. Move ahead And get the check deposited at your bank or to make it easier, You can have it deposit via your ATM deposit or MOBILE deposit and get back to me with the deposited slip For a records purpose Once you cash the check at your bank deducted $700 for this week you will send the remaining money to the specialist. next week money would be coming at $700 which is for you and you don't need to send any dime to anybody again. The installer will come down to your location to put on the decal on your vehicle and the decal is easily removable and it will not damage your paint Hello Good Morningh , I just got contact with the bank this morning that they have told the bank to release the funds to your bank account and i assure you that they already release the funds to yo account today ...so i want you to kindly deduct your money and sen the rest funds to the specialist information below via Walmart too Stalwart money transfe today so that he will be on his way to your location today Regards and waiting to read from you asap. The payment went OUT-SOURCED from another Agency, so please be awar the payment is not coming directly from DR PEPPER COMPANY. You have nothing to worry about. These are all messages he sent me and I could not stop laughing! Please be aware some people do fall for this scam so share with everyone.
Amy
February 03, 2020
Got a text from a Wayne Denison instructor manager for Mccafe saying I would get $800 weekly for 6 months to put decals on my car. I called McDonald's corporate office and confirmed that's it's a scam
Becca
October 11, 2020

In reply to by Amy

Very helpful, thank you. I just received the same text!! SCAM
Geektracker
February 05, 2020
Here is the scam I am dealing with from “Snapple” using this number: +17862240031 I was stupid enough to fill out an online form giving them my name, address and google voice number. Feel like an idiot. Hello (my name) This is Michael Loe. Representative for the Snapple fruit Juice Ad car wrap you submitted an application for. We reviewed your application an sent you an email for follow up please check your email to confirm receipt and to proceed.if you do not get it let me know an we’ll resend .. thanks “
Dammutt8522
February 05, 2020
We just got one for Snapple wrap. A ck for $2600 was sent via UPS.
Leo
February 05, 2020
I got one check 2.550 if you gus know there is people use moster energy name way can help to find to stop so far I know I won't get my money back but help to stop
Khellessi2018
February 07, 2020
I just got the text for vehicle sticker for Butterfingers!! paying 500 weekly....I mean come onnnn !!!
Stephanie
February 09, 2020
So I recently received two text messages regarding this exact situation. Both companies I never even heard of. They didn't give me company information until after submitting my name and phone number. A couple of days letter, I get checks in the mail for over 3,000$ a piece. Called the bank that was on the check and explained the situation. The account numbers on both checks didn't even exist! And both banks said they've been getting alot of fake checks coming through claiming to have been from an account through them.
connied
February 10, 2020
I am waiting on a check as I read this from Jolt Energy drink out of Rochester New York. They have not told me what to do yet have not got the check yet I did go online and there is a Jolt Energy drink company on New York is there a way I can call and ask them if they are advertising for this service
Lenoreli
February 11, 2020
I have recieved at least 6 assorted amounts from companies to do a car wrap or secret shopping. With all the scams going on I researched every company, bank to verify they were real or scams and every single one was a scam. The best thing is I did not cash any of them. One company wanted my bank name and other bank info. I told them NO WAY!!! LMAO... PLEASE PEOPLE BECAREFUL WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFO. IF YOU HAVE TO SEND MONEY SOMEWHERE ELSE IT'S A SCAM BIG TIME!!
kimmiemcj
February 12, 2020
I’ve been receiving emails and text for Blue bell ice cream saying I can make 450.00 a week. With a car wrap how do I find out if it’s a scam or not
Sammy
February 13, 2020
I just received an offer of 500.00 a week to put a magnetic sign on my vehicle for at&t. Is it legitimate?
Whatafake
February 14, 2020
I received a check for 3,000 To use part to pay person to wrap car & two payments up front The is for FRITO LAYS
Smaack25
March 09, 2020
We offer applying BUSCH BEER® sticker on your machinery for advertisement while earning $800 weekly. I received this today as a text!! Of course it sounded too good to be true!! Just want people to beware! Site looked official as well!
jess
February 17, 2020
Has anyone ever taken the check to where it is wrote from like chase bank and tried cashing it not depositing it in your account?
microberts
February 19, 2020
Just got one for a Pepsi wrap. I deleted it, but I did call the number to see if anyone would answer. Someone did and after I explained the reason for my call, he said it was probably a scam and that I should delete and block his phone number. How are these scammers using other people's phone numbers to send out a blast text? In this case, my phone showed that 20 other people were receiving this message.
BigDee
February 19, 2020
I just got one saying Frito lay hiring paying me $500.00 a week to drive around with wrap on my car. Was thinking about my son and his family. Sign Well Don is all I will say.
shoelesjoejackson
February 19, 2020
Is this a wrap Scam? PAY TO DRIVE WITH XEROX CORPORATION LOGO We are currently seeking to employ individuals in the United States of America, How would you like to make money by simply driving your car or banner wrapped for Xerox Corporation® Xerox Corporation is an American global corporation that sells document solutions and services, and document technology products in more than 160 countries Here’s the basic premise of the "paid to drive" concept: Xerox Corporation seeks people -- regular citizens, professional drivers to go about their normal routine as they usually do, only with a big advert for new "Xerox" plastered on your car or truck. The ads are typically vinyl decals, also known as "auto wraps,"that almost seem to be painted on the vehicle, and which will cover any portion of your car's exterior surface. What does the company get out of this type of ad strategy? Lots of exposure and awareness. The auto wraps 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 3 months and the minimum you can participate is 7 weeks. You will be compensated with $500 per week which is essentially a "rental"payment for letting Xerox Corporation use the space no fee is required from you. Xerox Corporation shall provide experts that would handle the advert placing on your car/truck. You will receive an up front payment of $500 inform of check via courier service for accepting to carry this advert on your car. KINDLY FILL THE REGISTRATION FORM BELLOW IF INTERESTED
kjm in NY
February 21, 2020
I received this "offer" to get paid for the advertising once in the past and responded but never heard back. I just rec'd offer again and said "yes" Im interested but again, I've never been asked to accept any checks in advance etc.... maybe this is legit?
ARLee
February 22, 2020
I recently started receiving unsolicited text offer me the opportunity to have my car wrapped to advertise Monster Energy drinks. I did put in a response to ask a question, and now they've sent me 20 emails at least. Currently they are asking me to deposit a check, then take a picture of the check deposit slip and send it back to them. I informed them that I would take the check to the bank on Monday and have the bank deal with it. I told them that I would do nothing electronic with them until after I had dealt with several paper checks and they had all cleared the bank. Needless to say I have reason to believe that this is a hoax since I received nothing paper and they have asked for a very limited individual information.
Andrew
February 25, 2020
I received a text today asking if I'd like to put a Bud Light decal on my car for 400.00 a week. I replied back asking them if I could borrow 400.00 until I get mine in a few days.
notAsuckA
March 09, 2020

In reply to by Andrew

Ha I love this reply! Bet they hate when people are onto them immediately!
CC
March 13, 2020
I just got onefor Dr pepper, promising $500 per week for up to 14 weeks for decals on the car.the web address given is: forms. zohopublic. sscleaning1/f orm/ DrPepperAdvertisement CampaignForm2/formperma/ hguitEAOdyPUaKsHMktxsMwF96cv92cnNxVoCqo And the phone number the text came from is: 252702349 Watch out!!
TraceyMS1971
February 26, 2020
They tried to get me today. Nicole Robinson sent a check to me for $2950 for placing a decal on my car. Deposit, keep $500 give the rest to the "detailer" who would do the install. A few hours later they're texting again that I deposit the check. It was drawn from Bank of Southern California. I looked them up and called them directly. While the routing and acct number were indeed correct, it was from a long closed account. They were very grateful that I called and confirmed before doing anything with that check. Needless to say, I shredded it immediately and texted "Nicole" back and let them know we knew they were scamming me. Trash of the earth, these scammers!
AJ scam
February 27, 2020
CAN I KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON NOW AND I CAN NOW SEE THAT YOU WANT TO RUN AWAY WITH THE MONEY WITH YOU AND I WILL FORCE TO REPORT YOU TO THE FBI. This is the message I was sent. Should I reply that my bank said the check is fraudulent.
Don't use your…
October 11, 2020

In reply to by AJ scam

I told them thanks for the fingerprints cause they sent a 4200 check..
katiemmm
February 28, 2020
I just received a check for $1,880.00 from Allied Printing Resources; 33 Commercial Rd, Carlstadt, NJ 07072. 201-440-2000 I called this company and they said the check is fake; they have received many calls! from across the country! It is from BodyArmor Super Drink Wrap Advertisement. I got a text from their so called hiring manager this morning; April Spencer @ 818-714-7590 asking if I received the check! I also received an email from her with broken English and misspelled words! It’s all fake.... just reporting! I have not lost anything!!!
rmcgonigal48
March 02, 2020
I got a wrap around decal check for 2950. They told me to keep my pay and give whomever details the car the rest. I was not biting on that. I don’t know what do with the check.
Cm92
March 04, 2020
I just got one saying they would send me a chrck for 2500. 2000 to pay the person wrapping my car and 500/ week for me for Monster Energy. Monster says they only use their vehicles to advertise.
cervanteshopki…
March 05, 2020
I recived a response from a job offer from a company called Frito lay auto wrap advertising. They instructed me to place a check in my bank account and said that when the check clear take out the rest of remaining balance to pay for the wrap. Of course I became suspicious and not do any of that. Instead I looked on your website and found this infomation pertaining to this issue and stop me from a disaster.Thank you Sincerely Rose Dinkins
Carmentlm
March 06, 2020
I and my fiancé both got texts from a guy saying new zero ultra monster energy pop out signs for cars paying $500 a week and check for $4,989.99 would be delivered checks came via USPS name of person mailing is Columbia South Carolina tracking showed checks came from Albuquerque New Mexico bank is out of Texas claim to be cashiers checks. Not cashing them
T. Watkins
March 06, 2020
Got a text message from Minute Maid orange juice. $500 a week for a car sticker. I'll play along, but not going to be bamboozled
rlavair
March 09, 2020
i just got a check from Auto wrap Promotional Program for $1,500 i think its a scam?
Coffeedrop
March 08, 2020
Been scam today from rush energy not going to do it.
Too Tall
March 09, 2020
I just received this check $ 3740.00 in the mail yesterday about a RPR Enterprises , Inc . DBA Topsy's Popcorn & Ice Cream decal for wrapping my car..?
Too Tall
March 09, 2020
Call the bank where this check came from too Country Club Bank in Leawood , KS 66211 and they informed me it was a scam...
Alicia Self
March 09, 2020
Got a check yesterday, from a gastroenterologist (return address in Ohio ) with a check from a different company in St.Louis. I live in Texas. So scammy! This dude is texting me to deposit it from: 310-870-8788 Nope.
Brian Lee
March 13, 2020
On Mon, Mar 9, 2020, 16:51 MR NELSON wrote: Good News! You're approved to carry the NEAPOLITAN ICE CREAM® ad on your vehicle. As you know this has been OUT-SOURCED to an agency and we have forwarded your details to the agency, we are currently working with them on sending out the payment to you to get the advert placed on your vehicle. Please note that the check payment will be sent to you to cover your first week salary of $500. And also the specialist fund will be included, you will have it deposited and when the check clears which will be in a day or two, you are to deduct your $500 and the rest will be going to the specialist that will be responsible for the advert placement on your vehicle, we will also send you the information to send it to and instruction with details that will guide you on proceeding for the decal to be placed as soon as the upfront payment has been delivered to you. We will get back to you shortly with the tracking number for the payment once the sourcing agency provides us that. Below are some questions you need to answer to proceed. A. How long do you intend to carry the advert on your car? 1, 2, or 3 month(s)? B. How often do you drive your car? C. Make or Model of your car? D. Also reconfirm your full name (as it should appear on the check) and address (House #, Apt #; Street Name, City, State and Zip Code) where your payment should be mailed to weekly. Please reply to the questions above and if you have any questions whatsoever do not hesitate to ask. A swift acknowledgment of this email will be appreciated. Regards Mr Nelson Neapolitan Ice Cream Advert Coordinator
Concerned Citizen
March 09, 2020
I received an email telling me that I could make $500 a week if I wrapped or allowed a company to place a sticker on my car. Email also said that money/funds have been outsourced so don't be concerned if check doesn't have company name on ot. I was advised that check would be for a total amount of $2600, however $500 belongs to me a d the other $2100 is for the company who would be applying company sticker. I was to deposit the entire check into my checking account and wait for further instructions on how to send the company their $2100. I went along with everything. I received the check today delivered by FedEx as instructions said. I opened the FedEx package a d there was a blank envelope which had a check for $2600. Check had "Wood and Hustin Bank supposedly out of Higginsville MO. Remitted on check was WHB & LYMAN MITCHELL. So glad I did my research before cashing the check. I will be reporting this. SCAM SCAM SCAM. Supposedly the company was for AMP Enery Drink.
notAsuckA
March 13, 2020
Just received a text asking to wrap my vehicle for Red Bull from the following #432-238-1719 with this link to apply or get info https://zfrmz.com/wYbHONuGOPD3U9wsp6kP Never attempted to try the link being as it's tax season it is safe to assume that it's yet another attempt for lazy scammers trying to avoid getting a real job!
4Gloriannamc
March 09, 2020
Thus is currently happening to me now and was sent from the following via text 213-263-7685 and shows to be a John A Jauregui who is supposedly 102 yrs. old and living in California and it's a great SCAM ( I looked up this number and it shows the number was inactive for months then became active again in Feb. 2020).They are more than willing to answer questions even though you're sceptical. Hello Glorianna McBride, Congratulations! You have been qualified to take part in the Paid To Drive Concept by Aquafina Purified Bottle water advert application form you submitted, and a graphic technician has been assigned to you. Kindly send a text immediately to confirm if you acknowledge this message and received the email that was sent to you. The payment is going to be mailed out to your name and address I want to confirm the go ahead and you’ve to make your vehicle available.
mlowery
March 10, 2020
so i answered an ad for payroll assistant. but it was the starting point of this auto wrap campaign scam. i was suppose to get $2000 a month, all i had to do was print checks on business checks that i bought from Staples. mail them either by UPS, USPS, FedEx to about 100 people a week with a letter of instructions. when i got the first set of checks to print i notice that a VFW, a law office and a non-profit organization were paying 100 people $2950 each to advertise for them by wrapping their car. and all of the checks were signed by the same person. the routing numbers on the check are valid but the account numbers are not. after i started looking into it more i ended contact with the individuals. now just trying to figure who to tell to try to stop them.