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.

rustyboy
January 09, 2019
What if you just deposit the check and wait till the check is completely cleared before sending the money?
Confused
January 10, 2019
Received a 2550.00 check and said I would be wrapped to represent Redbull- deposit check and keep my 500 and call to see where to send rest for wrap job - is this what all I have been reading from above statements?
Pedro951
January 12, 2019
Looks like i should of looked around a little more i got a check of 1960 and cashed it being in need all i had to do was put a walmart decalson my car and get 500 for it then every person you recruitis 100$ ... bout 1350 went through 460 is on hold fml i really wish i would of looked into it better . It was too good to be true 500 looks good but imagine getting a check of more like 1960 you deposit 1200 and keep the rest thats hard to say no too but i have the money so lets see what happens im go to police and see what i can do but i cashed it being in need this is bad
abcd
January 15, 2019
I received a car wrap opportunity email by a trusted email account. A self-claimed UEFA person named Scott Lipesky arranged mailing out the payment. The envelop's sender is ENERGEO Inc and the check in $4850 is from another person's individual bank account, Fulton Bank. Asking me to pay out for an installer is a big No No.
Lady Linteweth
January 16, 2019
I was contacted and they are FedExing me a check. I won't a dime unless that check clears.
rich4500
January 21, 2019
I just went through the same thing. I just got a Check for $3957.14. It was sent Priorety mail to me. I didn't get any letter or anything with it saying where it came from. I read this article 2 weeks before I got the check and texted the guy back and cursed him out and told him it was a scam and haven't heard back from them. Than today I got a Check I don't know where or who Its from
DrPeppercarwrapscam
January 23, 2019
Revived this email today. No check yet
DrPeppercarwrapscam
January 23, 2019
Revived this email today. No check yet This is Jerry J Dowells from Dr Pepper®. The Payment for the Dr Pepper paid to drive innovation will be deliver to your mail this morning. Here is the tracking number for confirmation 774276205101 You can look up on fedex.com to check the tracking history. So, i will like you to check your email right now and we want to know how far you've get with the check. Acknowledge the receipt of the message there. I sent you the details on how to proceed. Looking forward to hear from you. Thanks
A shock
March 22, 2019
I m glad I found this website. Someone has been in contact with me about the same wrapping thing how are they still doing this scam!? I almost fell for it But because of the red flags I did a little digging, glad I did. On Jan 25, 2019, at 6:09 PM, dawson carl wrote: Hello Thank you for reaching out to us here at Amp Energy® We got the information requested from you. Below are some questions you need to answer before we can proceed. Do you drive your vehicle everyday? How long do you intend to carry the advert on your car 1 month, 2 months or 3 months? Do you have bank account Yes/No? We are not asking for your account details. Please don't send it. Have you crashed your vehicle between Jan.2018 till date? Amp Energy® will take full responsibility for placing and remove decal on your vehicle and it will not resort to any damage. Also we will OUT-SOURCED the payment to another Agency, so please do not be alarmed by the payment not coming directly from Amp Energy®. Your up front payment would made after you have sent a reply with answer to the questions above and a confirmation email saying we should go ahead and mail out funds. Note: Don't edit any of the earlier content/thread messages or subject, discussion and intentionally posts on a subject related to the original post, don't create a new message with a new subject please reply the answers under the email. We will get in touch with you within 1-24 hours to verify your application. For this reason It's important you to keep track with your email address at least three times daily so that no vital information will pass you. Thanks We look forward hearing from you. Carl Dawson- Hiring manager © 2018 PEPSICO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Rose
February 20, 2020

In reply to by A shock

I get this exact message word for word but his name was carl grewe but for Budweiser. The usps priority envelope was mailed from Coppell, TX. But the return address is a construction company in CT. The check has no watermark. I’m not depositing. I’ll see if they get back to me. I asked a lot of questions no one answered and suddenly I’ve got a check.
dangulus
March 22, 2019
I had some fun with this scammer from bud light. Wouldnt give me any info about the company my checks been outsource to another company yadda yadda all that his fake name is ryan thomas email they are contacting me from hdking 1963 @gmail. com heres the message CONGRATULATION!!! You do qualify to carry the advert on your vehicle. Also we have OUT-SOURCED the payment of funds to you to another Agency, so please do not be alarmed by the payment not coming directly from Budlight®. So we are currently working with them on sending out the fund to you to get the advert placed on your vehicle, note that the Check payment has been sent to you to cover your first week salary of $400 and also the Specialist fund has been included, you will have it deposit and when the Check clears which will be in a day or two, you are to deduct your $400 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 with Instruction with details that will guide you on the proceeding for the decal to be placed as soon as the upfront payment has been delivered to you. Hope to hear back from you soon and thanks you for been understanding. LET ME KNOW IF WE CAN trust you with the decal funds. and the phone number is from atlanta where no main line of budlight is lol (678) 609-3822 so be aware everyone if u are not filling out a normal applicaion or even. A minimul background check dont do it
PM Guy
January 28, 2019
OK people. I just got an email yesterday from a Fred Henderson at Candy Wraps (auto wrap). It almost stated verbatim what Mr. Alf and his son received. I actually decided to "push' back on the scammers and wrote the following: "Many thanks for getting this set up for me. I am very excited. I contact my insurance company to be sure it would not interfere with my coverage. The insurance company said they would need a business license # they can put in the notes of my policy for their records. Also, I was not able to locate your business online or in any USA registries - can you please provide me with your company's address and phone #? Lastly, as you know, there are many scammers trying to take advantage of people via email, would you please provide your bank's name and location? This way, when I receive your cashier's check, I can call your bank to verify it is real and then my own bank will have no issues with cashing it. Thank you so much for this great opportunity. I look forward to getting both of my cars involved with your service". hahahahahaha I wonder if I will get a response!!! Do these idiots think we were born yesterday? DON'T ever cash a "cashier's check" unless you verify it with the issuing bank first!
Hmb
April 29, 2019

In reply to by PM Guy

I recieved this same email today, did you hear anything from oir friend Fred Henderson?
Mike C
January 28, 2019
Craigslist had about same type of scam.I was selling my pool table,had them send check to my work.Looked up the address from issued check.It came up as a hotel in NY city.Called hotel,no such business,gave check to local police.
natalia72
January 28, 2019
I just wanted to add that the comments are absolutely true and I've also witness people in court for cashing those checks knowing they were fraudulent and getting put on probation and penalized for it . The best thing to do is : JUST DONT DO IT!! Personally I received three different checks from the same BS company so I emailed them back and ask them what was the purpose of that and never got a response oh, so I tagged them as scams and unsubscribed
trish633
January 30, 2019
I received a text from a company that wants to wrap my care with Crest Toothpaste. The number 413-749-5193 . When you call the number its a Google subscriber. And it says they pay you a bank check up front? Are these ever legitimate?
Afer
January 30, 2019
i got one from a company. What I did was I took it to the bank had them put it in my savings and have them notify me when the money clears and if it does not the bank notifies me , cancels the deposit and I notify the company. I have told them that money did not clear and if they want me to do work for them I would need a money order or cash before I start and they will have to pay the people wrapping the car. Never heard from them again.
Steven Dale breeden
February 14, 2019
My mother had been looking and it's saying that she gets 3850 ,to auto wrap her car ok she gets a check for the wrap but she would get the 850.00 and the wrap company would wrap her car for the reminder of the $$ now I know it seamed to good to be real so I did call the bank and Frito lay and is signed by Susan hook . I can't believe there's people that they do this never heard of Frito lays .doing adds like this
Sceptical
February 19, 2019
I received 2 checks in the mail, one for "Dr. Pepper" shrink wrap advertising for $1995,I think as it had only the date, a return address, and a text message with instructions? I was told that $500 is mine and the rest for the shrink wrap specialist, whom they would send. The other from " Oral-B for $1200.00, with $200 going to me for the first month and the rest, to a "car wrap specialist that they would send. I just received these today, after responding to a make money link months ago.
Elaine
February 20, 2019
So i just got wrapped up in this whole wrap with Oreo cookie, I just received a check for 3900.00 via fed ex. So they tell me to deposit the check into my bank take out 600 for my first payment. Wait 2 days so the check will clear at that point I am to withdrawal the remaining funds and take it to bank of America and ask for the wrap specialist account at that time I will be given a check to pay the "specialist" when they come to my place. There words. Very cloak and dagger. I am so glad I decided to check into this before i cashed this very thin paper check.
So disappointed
February 21, 2019
I received a money order for 2,700. I have to text some number when I get it. Don't know for what. The person who texted me is asking me uf I already got the check and texted the person. I asked him to send me a pic of the wrapping and he sent me a poc of the company Ramp ad. What am I supposed to do? It s clear a scam. I'm going to tell him I'm returning the check.
Laughingsun4
March 22, 2019
Who would want to shrink wrap a car? If you did, how would you get in?
Amg75
February 21, 2019
This is one of the emails I received. The guy wouldn't leave me alone until I told him that it was a scam. Greetings! We'd like to bring to your notice that our representative have mailed out payment to your residence address provided on the application form you filled out. We have been informed that payment of $3100 was sent to you which covers your first week payment for your "Cranberry Juice New cans" Auto wrap Advertisement and the decal expenses via FedEx with the Tracking # 785503905615 expected to deliver to you soon Due to an out of state check, and bank protocols, You are to deposit the check at your bank. Funds will be credited to your account within 12-24 hrs. Soon as it does, you should deduct your $500 for your first week payment. The rest in the amount $2600 will be deposited to the specialist's account coming for the installation of the decal on your car as they still have over 15 cars to get done for us there in your location and they'll be coming along with the necessary paperwork which you'll need to sign. i'll update you with their details to deposit thier payment when need be. Note: Cranberry Juice New cans will take full responsibility for placing and remove decal on your car and it will not resort to any damage. And also you are entitled to receive $500 weekly wages for you carrying out our decal on your Car and upon the process for the wrap placement, you will receive an agreement form to sign by the specialist the same day the wrap will take place at your residence. Let me know if understood or got any question. Regards, David Hall
Amg75
March 22, 2019
He also says his name is Michael Loe. The number is a Google voice number 917-426-2833 Email Address is bartyajh @gmail .com
Aceman
February 21, 2019
My previously written comment about the offer up and apps and apps that are similar to that has nothing to do with the car wrap scam but just scams in general.
Jjww23
February 25, 2019
Thank you for the info. I’m wondering I got the check now from them. What do I do at this point? Should I return it to sender or throw the check Away or call the bank where the check came from? I don’t wanna get charge.
Jojo
February 27, 2019
I told the Bud Light Drink man, Gary Benson that once I received the check and cleared my bank and the bank it was drawn on the graphic designer could contact me and after the car was done he would get paid. But it has to clear both banks first. I'll see if I hear back from him.
Brainiac.
March 04, 2019
A friend of mine got a similar offer from "Wrapify". They offered $500 from a $2400 check to wrap in Samsung logos, pay every 2 weeks for a period of 3 months. Thought it was the old to good to be true. So i checked with my financial institution & they said yep, its a scam.. Crazy the things people come up with now days.
ThebutterDonTh…
March 04, 2019
I just got one those checks today claiming to be from Minute Maid. It was for $4,885.00 They want me to go to bank and deposit it. That won't happen. I wish I would send 4,500.00 dollars to someone and keep only $500.00 for myself. How dumb can these scammers get. Thanks for the Check that's not going to my bank!! lol
Alittleshy
March 07, 2019
I got a message from Estrella drinks they sent me a $1950 check. I called bank first thing. An I got one the other day from amp engery. Pll will do any kind of scam to make money stilling from the honest ppl to make a easy buck
Pollo10
March 08, 2019
I have a check from wwwelding saying to wrap my car from G--shot but he is pushing me to deposit right now, I feel something is not right, I need and advise what to do
puchytimbal
March 11, 2019
Here is a scam to watch out for, just got this today with a check . They send me instructions and a check for 1,473.00 message says to go to the bank and cash it and let them know when you make the deposit and some come and wrap up the car .
happysud
March 13, 2019
I just got a text message wanting me to advertise for Dasani. It’s an obvious scam. I was wondering who would actually fall for something like this. Then I found this site...
NotAnIdiot
March 14, 2019
I'm currently texting someone who mailed me a check for $2,850. I'm taking the check to the police when i get off of work. Hope i can catch the person. DO NOT FALL FOR IT!! IT IS A SCAM!!!!!!!
ticoo
March 18, 2019
I received an actual check..I googled the company name and called them. They said it was a fraudulent check and not to deposit. I sent all correspondence to their fraud department last Friday. Got a text from an anonymous # from a Texas area code on Saturday wanting to know if I deposited their check, told them I haven't had a chance to. Kept pressuring me to deposit....I quit responding to the text I also called my local police department to file a fraudulent check, unless I deposited the funds and was scammed only then would it be worth their time to investigate.
jimmy
March 25, 2019
Got a check for $2500. to advertise on my car for Fendi Roma Bags. I'm taking it to the bank and see what they can do, or to local police.
"Babyblue 41"
March 26, 2019
I rcvd a letter n a check from autowrap campaigne but it tells me to cash check n send pic of dd to email n amazon will send a $200 gift card n payment will be every wk dd n the campaigne goes from 8 to 24 weekz.ups delivered it to me today
Sakura
March 27, 2019
Hahaha they just called me a stupid fool after I exposed them
Lee
March 29, 2019
Just got a letter in the mail from a Fujitsu global.com, David Freeman, someone sent me a check from Houston federal credit Union bank, for 2,250.000 dollars ,just becareful, it's a scam. There is no car wrap.
wegotcha
March 31, 2019
"PAY TO DRIVE WITH XEROX CORPORATION LOGO" "A start-up check of $1,495.00 will be issued on your name by one of our sponsors and mail to your address. via (UPS/FedEx) The amount covers your first week pay ($500.00) and the installer's charges. Your subsequent pay check will be $500.00 weekly after the wrap has been installed." I am to deposit the check as others were instructed . THANK YOU ALL FOR POSTING THE WARNING! Scam!!!
Applesauce
April 01, 2019
Has anyone heard of the fresca soda drink manufactured by Coca-Cola? And they are doing this sticker/livery? Is it scam?
Hmb
April 29, 2019

In reply to by Applesauce

Fresca is a drink manufactured by coke a cola. That part is true, the other part is probably a scam that someone is using the fresca name
Superman
April 05, 2019
Scam goes for Samsung as well I have the check but not going to deposit it. No legit company would tell you to wire money to a installer
Crystal74
April 12, 2019
I just received a check.. how can you catch them?
Concern person
April 14, 2019
I got a check from Heineken beer to wrap my car for 500 dollars. They sent me over 3000 dollars and told me to keep 500 and send the rest to a company that will wrap my car, scam almost did it, just didn't seem right?
Sda
April 18, 2019
Got one on the way from Miller lite. I'm sure it's a scam the email has tons of misspelling and grammar errors . The guy is telling me he will lose his job if I don't cash the check.
Watchful Willy
April 25, 2019
I got a text message for a car wrap for Oral B Toothpaste and would be paid $500 weekly but to go to that website my computer tells me it is not a secure site and is probably someone trying to get my information.
Joe Zappa
April 26, 2019
I just received the check from UPS ,for $3600.00 from a blue moon Brewing Company ,Coors and Miller, has anybody heard of that wrap scam ,or of that yet in st. Louis Missouri
Curious
April 29, 2019
I recently had a guy contact me claiming to be a hiring manager for Budlight saying basically exactly this. Says his name is Ryan Thomas.