Skip to main content

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.

It is your choice whether to submit a comment. If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment. The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices. For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy.

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.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

rubaja
October 20, 2017
I have been contacted by our fraudster. I didn't know what was going on and complied to his requests up to the point of receiving the check. I now have the check and will not deposit it. I have all the e-mails he sent in a saved folder in case there is a way of catching them. What should I do next?
Manikwest
October 24, 2017
Budweiser sent me an email saying they would pay me 350 a week to wrap my car, the 2nd email asked for a lot of information me and my husband's bames, address, phone #, occupation, marital status, and mileage on my car. Needless to say I didn't send back anything because it's a scam. I knew it was because the company is huge, they can afford to market with their own card.
sunilento1
October 24, 2017
I received a cashier's check from pro-fed credit union with an amount of 2390 dollars from Gatorade allegedly to wrap my car and advertise at 500 dollars per week. it instructed me to deposit the check, keep 500 and wire remaining to the car wrap company. I am not falling for it, No, thank you!
C.thomas1413
February 21, 2018

In reply to by sunilento1

Can someone post a pic of the check because i think i just received one
SimonBarsinister
October 29, 2017
Lenovo was the wrap scam they tried on me just this week. I let them send the check, I burned the check. It cost them $6.65 to send it to me. At least if no one in authority can prosecute them , I got them for $6.65!
I'm the Monster
October 31, 2017
So... "Monster Energy Drink" wants to sponsor/wrap my car. same stories as everyone else, deposit check, wire money, keep excess... Well. No way in hell am I going to take this anywhere near my bank. Truly considering hitting one of those check cashing locations and thanking the "representative" I spoke with for the bonus..
MJ
November 01, 2017
Check the sender's email address. For a start, hiring managers should have email addresses from the company they work for, not gmail.
tabcat13
November 02, 2017
What if you take the check to a check cashing place like payday loans? Will you get in trouble for trying to cash it if its fake? I'm just trying to determine if its legit
B1BomberVB
January 30, 2018

In reply to by tabcat13

DO NOT (try to) cash one of those checks at a check-cashing service. When it bounces, they will come after you for the cash! If you don't pay, they can go to the police to have you arrested for fraud. Besides, the owners of those services are trying to make a living, too!
Hollygood83
February 08, 2018

In reply to by B1BomberVB

That's actually not true, at least here in Milwaukee. I thought I was being clever and was going to scam the scammer and went to a check cashing place and almost had the cash in hand when the lady got spooked and right at the end put a hold on it and called her manager. So I didn't get the money. She told me the same thing that I could be arrested. So just out of curiosity I called the police and they told me that if anything they could take you to civil court but there's nothing wrong with cashing a check with your name on it so the police wouldn't get involved. Its not like you wrote a bad check. You are simply cashing a check. The police don't know the context so it's really just a he said she said that has to be handled in civil court but why would the company waste their time and money for a few hundred bucks?
Wanttodotherig…
March 22, 2021

In reply to by B1BomberVB

I got an email for a car wrap thing from Starbucks and then they sent me toA wiz app. When I tried to send a message it wouldn’t let me do the person who emailed me want to know before I go farther is this legit or is this a scam because somebody said the wix upp Is just an app to be used to make the hacker have access to my email in my contacts I try to delete myself from the wiz app But I couldn’t and tell you the truth there was only three or four people signed into this thing if any information please respond I’m not real tech savvyBut if this is an opportunity that is good don’t want to pass it up please if any information please holler out. Thanks again for letting me post this and I thank you for any time you spend in responding
Chadwick1724
November 08, 2017
Is there someone I can contact about this, I received a fake check?
FTC Staff
November 16, 2017

In reply to by Chadwick1724

You can report this to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. The information you give will go into a secure database that the FTC and other law enforcement agencies use for investigations. The comments you put here on the blog don't go into the law enforcement database.

K3D2
November 13, 2017
Yup got a text message today saying $500 a week and to email this certain person but it was a weird name with a long # and a Gmail address. Sketchy.
jlambg14
November 19, 2019

In reply to by K3D2

I just got a check, it was supposed to be from Kai Oil for a car wrap, $500. per week. A check came yesterday for $3,751.23. I asked why so much? He text me that $500. was for me and the rest to be given to the installer of the car wrap. The company name on the check is Pilot Cabinet Works, Inc.
Stayned
March 16, 2021

In reply to by jlambg14

I got one from BodyArmor for 500 a week to wrap during a 3 month event.
Justme1996
November 14, 2017
This just happened to me. I'm thinking of going to police to some traction.
I'mARobot
November 20, 2017
There is a company doing this right now called CED
jcjudy
November 20, 2017
I got my check today from car wrap for 3800 dollars but I won't be cashing it I'll give to polic
scooby
November 24, 2017
Has anyone tried to cash one of these checks at Walmart?
C.D
December 04, 2017

In reply to by scooby

I was thinking the same thing...cash it and then keeping all the money...screw them. Because in some cases the checks are real and once you notify them that you deposited the funds, they'll close they're acct.
Chelle Redd
September 08, 2019

In reply to by scooby

Yes I have tried but their system isn't going to take it. So I didn't go anywhere else. Shredded it quickly.
eaglerocker
November 29, 2017
Just got a $500/wk offer from Hawaiian Punch - not going to respond as immediately when I hit reply it was to someone other than the sender.
AM84U
December 01, 2017
Just happened to me with Gatorade. I did deposit the check in the mail but the bank said they need to put a hold on it. A couple days later they informed me the check bounced. Thank God I didn't take any money out and now the bank is taking action against them. Whew!
jammedwilson
December 21, 2017

I just got this email today

Hello, Participate in Refresher Energy Drink Company Advertising...Our company is one of the most innovative Advertising agencies with clients all over the world.We have a target to advertise so many products for a number of companies mostly in USA,as a whole and we also have representatives in this regions.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 and eye-catching and attract lots of attention. Plus, it's a form of advertising with a captive audience,this means people who are stuck in traffic can't avoid seeing the wrapped car alongside..We work as an advertising agent and we will be doing the advert for the new company which will be producing biscuit which includes cookies, crackers, and cereals. The advert will be a small sticker which will be placed on your car and we need someone in your state who will be dedicated to doing this and be rest assured you will be paid promptly. This program will last for 3 months and the minimum period you can participate is 1 month..We shall provide experts that will handle the advert placement on your car. You will receiving a weekly payment of $400 and this payment will be sent as an upfront payment to you for allowing us place the advert on your car.

After the duration of your service and you want to discontinue, the specialist/ expert shall come again and remove the advert placement on your car with no traces of ever placing a vinyl decals on your vehicle. Send the required below Information: Full Name: Address: City,State and Zip code: Mobile Number : Age: Occupation: Make of car/ year: Exterior Color of Car: Email Address: Possible Questions/ Answer below: 1. Is this going to affect the paint of my car ? No is not going to affect the car paints. 2. How Large is the sticker ? Just small sticker. We shall be contacting you as soon as we receive these information. We look forward to working with you soonest. Hiring Agent Wilson Raymond jammedwilson91 @

Heidi
December 13, 2017
Soya milk has contacted me. Is this a scam??
SMH!!!
December 18, 2017
I literally just gave them the information they needed so I could get paid. I THANK GOD I looked up this guy CARL ANDERSON name who is “the hiring manager” for Miller Lite! This is sick! Now when I receive the check I’m turning it in. I don’t need those kind of problems in my life.
lucysmart
December 19, 2017
I got the check of $2390... I went to the bank to check if is real, they said iits seems scam...
Thank full person
December 30, 2017
After reading this page today i am going to wait for the check to arrive and hand all the info over to the police and they can deal with this person who is trying to do it to me, i thought it to good to be true & thanks for every ones advice in advance
Watup
December 30, 2017
Just recieved one, a text. I also recieved a responce on a cl ad and they ask if i took check. Once i send it depends, they said. I send u check for double put it account and the other half you send to movers. I WAS like SURE, how about if i just give you my card and sevurity code numbers that way i just keep check and it make it easier. He says well, i never t for thought of that. Then he went on to praised me for having such a wonderful idea. Im saying to my self i thought i was the one who is suppose to be the idiot, he actually thinks i would do this. I thought he would figure i was being sarcastic. I had to actually tell him that he is a nut and to get a life. The cazy thing is he has someone else call like 1 or 2 weeks later claiming they are taking me to court for not delivering the item from cl. His so called laywer says he mailed out that check and it shows i cashed it and kept the money and didnt hold my end of the bargain. They can cancle this law suit and possible criminal charging if i make a payment right now over the phone. I agreed on one condition, if it shows the check was cashed then please tell me which bank was it that sent you this info. Of course he was way off and claims it doesnt matter it may have went through multible banks. Dang, 1200 check and my bank couldnt cover it. I said take me to court never recieved any check and u guys think im going to surrender my info you guys are crazy. Havent heard from them since. Im shocked that people actually fall for this obvious scam. If this works on people then i can bet there is even more obvious ones out there that work.
sorry i'm that old
January 08, 2018
again first Monster energy . and it went as far as a check that won't cash. no there is another. I don't know it's organic.
Rehtaeh Red
January 10, 2018
Greetings from Mesa, AZ. I too, received a text message about decaling my car for RedBull. Dude's name is Mr. Dewitt. Sounds ligit, with questions about accidents, time driving, and type of vehicle? Collecting info. To turn these fraudsters in!
Iceman
January 10, 2018
I tried this. TOTAL SCAM. Call center in Philippians. I said refund my money, or I'll inform my bank to contact the FBI. I received a refund confirmation email... 3 - 5 days for funds to go back into my account.
Cjbballer
May 20, 2020

In reply to by Iceman

Did they put all the money back in your back, or what happen??
trammelltm
January 14, 2018
There is a new scam with Busch Beer. The scammer is using the name Eddy Jordan.
NuneYah
January 15, 2018
Hey everybody holding a check still wondering what if.... Call the company on the check. Actually look up their phone#-don't just use the one on the check- and ask if this check#... From XXX acct signed by XXX employee is legit. Just search the company & signature on the check anyways!! I've seen most of the time it's the millionaire owner that supposedly signed your check...?!? Really??! C'mon. Ask more questions people!! Don't just say well ok & put ur finances in jeopardy!! I fell for this crap too up until I noticed locations & info wasn't jiving..
Thanx4help
January 18, 2018
I just received a check have not cashed it now what do I do with it person won't text or email back where to send it to
FTC Staff
February 27, 2018

In reply to by Thanx4help

Some people give the checks they receive to their bank, local post office (if the check came by postal mail) or police; some people destroy the checks.

Quanna
January 24, 2018
Has anyone did the energy drink for Carabao I think it’s a scam. They sent me 1500 and 400 of it is supposed to be mine. They also want me to deposit the check and send a picture showing I deposited it. I tried calling the number and it rings for a while and then the little Nextel thing comes on. I told them that I think it’s a scam and of course they tried to deny it
Geewizzers1990
June 15, 2020

In reply to by Quanna

So did you keep the money? Because I would've cashed it at a cash checking place and then took it lol..
Sallie68
June 28, 2020

In reply to by Geewizzers1990

Geewizzers - I would have done the same thing! As a matter of fact, they are trying to scam me as we speak. My question is, if cash the whole amour at a Chechen cashing place, will I get in trouble? Will I be arrested?
Look At Check …
January 19, 2021

In reply to by Sallie68

Umhmmmm, got a usps package last Friday, but I didn't realize there was a check inside until getting text from a fella today asking for it. Things to be aware of!!! 1. No business just sends a check for that amount of money in a USPS folder. It would be in an envelope with a return address and additional information. 2. Look at the check, it looks like a copy. I responded to the guy with the following: - Hey is this for real? This check looks like a copy, how do I know it's real? A: It's real Cos you applied putting Pepsi sticker on your car, earning $700 weekly. Me - I'm sorry I will NOT cash this check until something more solid appears. A: Oh ok Me - Provide me with much more information A: What do you want to know Me: Legitimacy of this check and the business; website - Everything you know, I want to know. A: NO ANSWER! ha
amac
January 25, 2018
Yeah I got a Gatorade invite to wrap my car and the first thing I did was look on the internet for a car wrap scam and certainly it's available so I played along with it got a check for $2,390 keep 500 and send them the rest is what they requested so now I'm playing with them and telling them why would I send money Walmart to Walmart or MoneyGram why don't I just pay the man when he comes to my house to wrap the car so I'm pretty much wasting their time having some fun with it
officer sherry
January 26, 2018
I just responded to a job add about wrapping my car with Budweiser got the check in the mail today for 3,570.00 I was told to keep 400 out of that after it clears the bank and keep the rest to pay for the wrap. i am supposed to text a number and let them know I have gotten the check. but after reading all this stuff I'm not so sure please help
B1BomberVB
January 30, 2018
My friend just got such a letter today: $2390 Gatorade version, Priority Mail from Oklahoma. We went to his credit union, where an employee immediately recognized the con, confiscated the check to forward to her bosses and the Federal Reserve or whomever. She gave us a photocopy of the check for our records & so we could present it to other law enforcement. I want to go to the US Postal Inspector because the name & tracking number on the USPS--printed label must lead to somebody and their credit card or bank account from which they pay postage at $6.70 a pop!
kat0204
March 12, 2019

In reply to by B1BomberVB

The ups and Fedex accounts they are sending from are hacked. The sender is not the one actually sending the check, they are stealing account numbers and charging them back. We are dealing with this right now, we actually tracked down the person dropping off the packages and had the cops show up. Unfortunately that person is a victim of a scam too and is just being paid to drop packages off everyday
Coach
January 30, 2018
I almost fell for this scam. I went to the bank today to deposit a $ 4900 check, my banker call the bank the check was written on, gave them the account # on the check, the bank informed us that there is no account, if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is
Coach
January 30, 2018
also, check the email address
Condo
February 01, 2018
I just got this one from Liquid Ice Energy Drink Hello Applicant, I appreciate your effort and have decided to give this a “go.” and feel free to pass any questions on. Detailed Job Description: We are currently seeking to employ car,truck and bike owners to go about their normal routine as they usually do, only with a big advert for Liquid Ice Energy Drink®” plastered on your car. 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. Drive our company sticker around and you will be compensated with $300 per week which is essentially "rental"payment for leasing your car for our company. No application fees required from you. 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 a month. What is the Contract Duration? Once the wrap has been installed, minimum term is 4 weeks and maximum is 12 weeks. Would the wrap/decal damage the paint of my car,truck or bike? The decal doesn’t damage the paint and will be removed by our representative once the contract expire. We will be responsible for installation and removal of the wrap. You will be compensated with $300.00 per week which is essentially a “rental”payment for letting our company use the space and no fee is required from you. Liquid ice Energy Drink® shall provide experts that would handle the advert placing on your car. You will receive an upfront payment of $300.00 in form of a check via FedEx courier service for accepting to carry this advert on your car. It is very easy and simple no application fees required. Get back with the following details if you are interested in this offer. we would be paying you by check and would want you to get back with your Full Name :Full Street Address (not PO BOX) :City, State & Post Code:Country :Cell & Home Phone Number:Age :Make of car/ Year :Miles :Email : Employed : Yes or No ? If Yes, Do you drive to work ?We will contact you immediately we receive this information Note: VISTAPRINT take full responsibility for placing and remove decal on your car and it will not resort to any damage.