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.

Search Terms
advertising
car
email
job search
jobs
online
scam
social media
Topics
Shopping and Donating
Jobs and Making Money
Scams
All Scams
Job 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.

Ale
June 28, 2018

In reply to by Kimanne

I just got a message with the exact same words but from a Jennifer Poplin. It doesn't sounds right, so I'm alerting you with this fake name.
Kathy in ga pi…
November 29, 2018

In reply to by MAD in GA

I have been dealing with this car wrap b.s ,I have torn up 4 checks and threw in trash.but then they used red bull for the advertising wrap so I texted back ,so excited its close to Christmas and the whole 9.well I called red bull corporate office and low and behold it was b.s .i sent those folks a really nasty message.did mot do no good but it made me feel better.
Older & Wiser
December 04, 2018

In reply to by Kathy in ga pi…

Just got one from Lays for $500/week. Got scammed about a year ago with the Budweiser one. Never felt so foolish. Don’t fall for this.
Lordvladamire …
April 17, 2020

In reply to by MAD in GA

I just got a check for $2500 saying that I can keep $500 and use the rest for an amp vehicle wrap is it a scam
rocko
March 28, 2018

In reply to by raizen31

I just got my check $2000, today in the mail today. I contacted the "issuing company" and they laughed. It was from a Drilling Company in TX. Then energy drink company allegedly was Rocky Mountain High. I am sure they have no clue they are being used in a scam. Marcos Padron is very persistent that I cash my check and send him a money gram. LOL!
Country gal
April 12, 2018

In reply to by raizen31

I justThad a Dr.Pepper company get back w me so how can i tell it is legit
Debdwil
April 13, 2018

In reply to by Country gal

I just filled out info for Dr Pepper also. Then I googled to see if it's a scam. Dang. I was hoping it was legit.
Leonela
July 12, 2018

In reply to by Country gal

You will be receiving a payment of $1,640. The payment will include your first week salary and the payment of the Specialist that will be coming to wrap your car to get the decals needed for the wrap. can we trust you with these funds? This is what I was told ^^^
Michelle
July 25, 2018

In reply to by Leonela

What did they say they were putting the $ on a debit card? Sending a check ? Cause that's how they probably get you is talking you out of your debit/credit card or banking info
Cat29
April 16, 2018

In reply to by raizen31

That's Phising ploy to get your personal information and then they open credit cards/ fraudulent accounts in your and run it up then never pay it and you are on the hook. It's an identity theft attempt.
FTC Staff
April 19, 2018

In reply to by Cat29

Scammers might use job ads to get personal information, or to recruit people for jobs that seem legitimate, but really aren't. If someone misuses your personal information, report it at IdentityTheft.gov.

Glnanders
May 02, 2018

In reply to by raizen31

I got the same thing but it was for Amazon lol so I guess it's a fake?
pooh
June 20, 2018

In reply to by raizen31

Just got same message from AMP energy drinks today
shellz
February 16, 2020

In reply to by pooh

I got a message from amp. They will pay me $700 in advance and will send out vinyl decals specialist out to install it. Does not say to send money to anybody or pay anyone. Unlike most of these review comments amp is not asking me to send money anywhere. They did say they would send out a cashier check. It’s a 12 week program and have to do it for a minimum of 8 weeks. I’m going to investigate before giving any info. I’m going to start by calling the phone number.
XxJ3SxX
April 09, 2020

In reply to by shellz

I just got a check from the same amp advertising and its 3750 deposit electronic and let them know so they can send out the technician to install the decals??? I replied to the text that I was working and would be taking care of the check next day. I'm also going to investigate this matter and go to the bank it is drawn from before any of this goes near my bank account!!!!!!
XxJ3SxX
December 15, 2020

In reply to by XxJ3SxX

Yes It was a scam the check was fake and if you deposit in your bank account it would deposit but it will come back out 3 days later as no account associated to the checking account numbers
ChocolateThunder114
September 15, 2020

In reply to by shellz

Was it a Scam? I got the same message
Sparlow
September 16, 2020

In reply to by shellz

@shell Did you find anything out? I got the same message.
PokerGurl
June 29, 2018

In reply to by raizen31

Hey have u heard of the Amazon Wrap Advertisement? Same method. Sends you a check, keep 500, give the rest to the wrap company. Is it legit ?
tash
July 25, 2018

In reply to by PokerGurl

I just got a set up for amazon as well is this legit?
K2205
October 23, 2018

In reply to by raizen31

Where to apply? Is there a website, e-mail or phone number? Tyia
Scooby doo
November 15, 2018

In reply to by raizen31

Im talking (texting) with a guy that say he work for bud light energy drink He combine both beer and redbull he is texting so much at least 9 to 13 times per hour when i finish this scam i will miss him well first i will reported to police Cell # 707 840 4766 Names used .. Edward Rogers. , Jamie Short. , and. Mr. Slavin The number is from california and the adress he gave me are from tulsa ok. And Tennessee im gone to keep him busy to see if he give me his real adress
Peppermint1
February 10, 2019

In reply to by raizen31

I got this exact same message on my cell phone. When it sounds too good to be true, it is!!!!! I knew it was a scam....
Alexa
February 24, 2019

In reply to by raizen31

Found this same one on Facebook Market Place by a fellow named Jordan
Ashamed
April 26, 2019

In reply to by raizen31

Same promotion same message different product. They’re sending me the Monster drink promo. I’m thankful for everyone that posted comments. Now I’m aware of what’s happening. Thank you
Jocelyn122513
July 07, 2020

In reply to by raizen31

I recieved a text message from budlight for the car wrap exactly everything you had said in ur comment, I want to know if it really legit.
Texas
December 03, 2020

In reply to by raizen31

I just received the exact same message except it was Oral-B instead of red bull
Sallydesmoines…
July 22, 2021

In reply to by raizen31

I was chosen to wrap my car telling me to await further instruction ..with payment by ups. For $800 a week for 10 weeks the company is responsible to wrap and unwrap car.im waiting to see if it's real or not.fingers are crossed
MnMmanNH1964
March 30, 2018

In reply to by Asmalls7

Monster Energy drinks are owned and distributed by the Coca-Cola company and it is true, they have their own cars and people... they do not hire outside drivers to advertise.
Skeptical
June 20, 2019

In reply to by Asmalls7

I got a text message asking me to put a wrap on my car from amp energy drinks. He wanted me to have a checking account so he could put $500 a week in my account. I told Kevin that I did not have a checking account that I could cash checks anywhere. After he insisted that I Had to have a checking account,I told I him I was not going to do it and this must be a scam. I have not heard from him.
fllady61
August 08, 2016

In reply to by wizard75

I do not pay attention to those calls. If it is a robot i hang up. I have had them go so far as to call and say. Thank you for holding. Good bye. Or please hold for the next available csr. I hang up. If they want to talk to me, make it a human being not a programed call machine that puts me on hold for an hour.
mike
September 16, 2016

In reply to by fllady61

I've gotten a few robo calls(my answering machine pu ALL incoming calls) where they act like they are actually talking to someone, for instance they will ask "did I catch u at a bad time?", then even tho I say nothing they say "ok, great I will only take a few minutes of your time", I still say nothing, they say "would you spell your full name & address to be sure we have the info correct?" I say nothing but the call goes on for 5 minutes w/out me saying anything. Robo calls from politicians at election time really get my goat! Thats an automatic NO vote for them.
Ashned
August 17, 2017

In reply to by wizard75

The car wrap scam is happening again it has happened to me and my husband wanting us to wrap our car for amp energy
seniorfrogger
December 22, 2017

In reply to by Ashned

they just sent me a check trying to get me to cash it who do i turn it in to

stryker91
September 11, 2017

In reply to by Ashned

I have been going back and forth w this amp energy drink thing I seen an add posted for getting paid to advertise and thought since I drive around the state I will let them wrap my car for a small fee well today I got a check in the mail for $2250.00 lol. Umm this has happened to me b 4 as I took the check to the bank it was from and half the routing number was missing otherwise they would've cashed it. That was a scam and iam pretty sure this is to. Iam looking into it as we speak Keep 600 and another 50 for gas he said then have to text another number for further instructions. Christ Wat is wrong w people Nobody wants to work for a living anymore just go rip off the world omg. I will get back to everyone wen I find out Wat this is so keep an eye out for this amp wrap your car scam. It a has to be one
jared.alo2
September 28, 2017

In reply to by stryker91

oh wow, they really got you? im so sorry to hear that. they got me too, i really need a job bad so i was desperate and thought this was the 1 shot ive been waiting for. spent the last of the money i had, dropped my car off at "this shop" to get it wrapped and it was stolen from them, nobody at the garage had any idea what i was talking about. now insurance is giving me a hard time. i dont know what i can do, cant even put food on the table for my girls, im done. dont let it happen to you i guess

Knight
August 03, 2020

In reply to by stryker91

Royal Crown cola is the new scam they will tell you they will send you a $1425 check then another phone number will text you and say that they have upgraded you 2 $500 the new check will be $2425 it is a scam they did not upgrade U thing upgraded the person who is wrapping the car which will never happen the cashier's check will be badd all scammers use cashier's checks they never do anything else So be on the look out for RC cola advertisement scam
Onebrucelee
September 23, 2017

In reply to by Ashned

It's happening to me as we speak through text but texts numbers keep changing and instead of the header saying Energy it now says Eneryy and they promise $450 weekly will send check in amount of $1950 gonna set me up with a vendor to wrap vehicle, whether a scam or not anyone trying to cash a bogus check should not be allowed. My financial institutions all want checks to sit and be cleared.
Rushnround
September 25, 2017

In reply to by Ashned

Yep, got an email today!!
Brick
November 12, 2017

In reply to by Rushnround

Have been in contact with a gentleman that says Gatorade will wrap. The same scenario is occurring. Going on the blocked email list now.
Gina
November 23, 2017

In reply to by Brick

I received a text today from someone who said she represented Gatorade. I’m so glad I checked here to see if it was legit.
Rocket56
February 06, 2018

In reply to by Gina

I have a check from Chattanooga Tn. For $2390.00 just received today, they sent priority mail from Oklahoma. Want me to deposit and send them a copy of deposit slip to lins9xo @ gmail.com. Thought it was very weird they would send this kind of money to someone they don’t know. Checked it out and guess who is not cashing the check :)
catxxt
May 08, 2018

In reply to by Rocket56

I just received a check for 2980.98 I am not depositing it. did you send check back or tear it up. my name is on check so I am Leary of giving it back. what should I do? thank you
Bell65
May 08, 2019

In reply to by Rocket56

I just received a job offer through my email It is from 5 Hour energy Drink. I would qualify to use my car to advertise with s wrap. They are sending check for ,$4000 . I get paid $500 a week fir a minimum of ,7 weeks. And I'm to contact someone and pay them to do the wrap! This is the second time I have received such a scam! Was really tempted. They will be reported for sure,,,,!
Angela
August 17, 2017

In reply to by wizard75

I got a message from hublut or something like that. Anyways they told me to wait for the check to clear and then they send the vendors to my place or if i had a faststart i think it is go to them and pay them and then send the depost slip to them. Is it fake?
ctressler
August 21, 2017

In reply to by Angela

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?

hgilbe@13
May 08, 2020

In reply to by ctressler

So just recently I got a text from someone who was looking for 10 people with vehicle to promote their product which is red Ribbon soda they said they would pay me $500.00 a week to drive around with a rap around my car. So I said to myself let's see how real this. 1 week later I got 2 checks for $2600 totaling $5200.00 I said to myself I will go to the bank and ask the Teller if he can call and verify those checks. They were fake. I was kind of bummed out because I could have used the money for bills and rent but at the same time I was glad I didn't go through with the deal knowing that I would put myself in real bad situation.
Return to top