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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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Brian Robinette
October 02, 2019
I'm playing along with this second one to try the scam on me why in the world can't our government catch these guys I'm chatting with a scammer right now who wants to wrap my car in worldlife pure water.... is there any law enforcement that would like to catch these guys I would gladly help you!!!!
scammed
October 02, 2019
I cashed the check at my bank and because it was a cashiers check I thought it was good, the bank didn't say anything. What an idiot I've been
Don't use NotS…
October 03, 2019
I received a check today as well for 2,500 but I will not deposit it
Honey Please!
October 04, 2019
I'm so grateful for what I have just read. I was contacted only minutes earlier today from, "Tucson Strong and Beautiful" to have my car wrap for their advertising. I had never heard of the name so I googled it. The company that has that name is Hyundai. So now I'm wondering why Hyundai was not included in the title at first? This is what caused concern. Thanks to you and YouTube, I won't be hooked winked or bamboozled into a scam. Thank you.
Mike
October 07, 2019
Crayola Scam in Georgia via text messages right now October 2019.... if it's too good to be true...
Mantis76
October 08, 2019
Just cashed a check at my bank and it was returned as un-processable. Seems to be no bank on the other side. My bank withdrew the amount from my account to cover costs. I have a very good bank, however they did not have any steps to look into the bank before cashing it. This is a scam still going on. In my case, I cash the check and keep 500 for pay. Send the remaining 3700 to a place in Texas to have the wrapping done to my car in Virginia. I suspected, something there so I asked the supposed representative I was talking with, they had a worker in my area. Later they send me another check, not for the agreement amount of 500/week, but for 4200. Name of this place was given as Solimo Energy drinks. Solimo is a real company operation through Amazon. The people I worked with have no connection and are a scam.
BDavis
October 08, 2019
I just received a text message from the BUBBLE UP SODA CO. They offered me $400/week to place an advert on my car and commit to at least 7 out of 12 weeks. They offered to send a CASHIERS CHECK by courior. Of course I did not fill out the application. I googled to see if the BUBBLE UP CAR ADVERT was a scam and saw all these other comments from 2016 and previous years back. If anyone knows for sure if this is a scam or legit, please let me know! Please respond back. I would like to warn others, so they don't get scammed as well. Thank you!
Arcy1767
October 09, 2019
A few weeks back I received a cashier check for $1767 for prepayment on a job I was suppose to do, checking Walmart’s customer service. I first called the bank it was drawn on and it was bogus.
Joanna CC
October 10, 2019
***Just received this email on my schools email address, This has to be a scam !!!!!!!! Hello Applicant: Thank you for your interest to know more and participate in this program. Dentsu Inc. is a Japanese international advertising and public relations joint stock company headquartered in Tokyo. Dentsu is currently the fifth largest advertising agency network in the world in terms of worldwide revenues. Dentsu bought Aegis in 2012 and formed Dentsu Aegis Network, which is headquartered in London and operates in 145 countries worldwide with around 45,000 employees.We still strive to improve and reach Faraway local cities around United States where our awareness have not reached and as part of our effort to promote the program. How it works? Here’s the basic premise of the “Advertise While Driving“ concept: We have decided to carry out a major campaign for the upcoming tournament to boost its reputation. Apart from carrying out TV commercials and Bill Board,We have decided to take our marketing practice to another level by adding automobiles and trains to the campaign list so as to reach a broader audience thereby passing out the message to a large audience which is why we seek interested candidates to go about their normal routine with the advert of the “Tokyo 2020 Logo” on their Car, Bus or Truck. The program will last for 6 months and the minimum a candidate can participate is 2 months. If a candidate chose not to participate anymore,the decal will be removed. We have our specialists in each selected cities to carry out the process so no damage will occur on any participants vehicles and we will be responsible for any damages What do we get out of this type of ad strategy? Lots of exposure and awareness. The auto decal tend to be colorful, eye-catching and attract lots of attention. According to the outdoor Advertising Association of America, it is estimated averagely a car advertisement can reach up to 60,000 impressions. In fact, vehicle advertising reaches more people than billboards, radio, direct mail, local group mailers and mass transit advertising. But here is the best part – most individuals say that advertisements on vehicles are actually more noticeable, more memorable and caused them to take action quicker than traditional forms of advertising. You will be paid $250 and $50 for gas weekly which is essentially a "rental"payment for letting our company use the space, No fee is required from you, We shall provide experts that would handle the advert placing on/off your car (before and after the programme) which would not have damage on your car. It is very easy and simple no application fees required, Find below the required information to apply for this offer: Full Name: Residential Mailing Address (Not PO BOX): City: State: Zip code: Country: Car Make/Model: Telephone numbers: Average miles driven each day: Have you held a VALID US license? Driving License Type: Warm Regards, Henry Ortiz Hiring Coordinator/Logistic Supervisor
Witchywoman
October 10, 2019
I think I just fell for the scam. I hope not. I was desperate for making extra money to help my sister that has cancer. Stupid me. I can not believe it has happened. But they had me go purchase Walmart gift cards for the wrap person. They sent me a check I deposit the check wait a day all seems ok. Out of that check I go get $950.00 Walmart gift card. That should have stopped me but again stupid desperate me I get them and they don’t show to do my wrap so I text BOTH numbers. They reply they are coming so I wait and nothing so the next morning I get ready for work nothing. So I get to work and I text and call. NO REPLY. I’m sure I got took. Do tomorrow Oct 11 2019 on my birthday I have to go see my bank and let them know and try to clear this up. NO MATTER HOW DESPERATE FO NOT DO IT !!!
MaggieMae
October 11, 2019
I got a text to do Amp Energy Drink wrap. Filled out application and received a very unofficial 2 page guideline letter. The return address is a college which initially set of the alarm for me. I use to work at a bank and telling someone to deposit money and send funds from it within 24 hrs is definitely a scam. Regulations banks are to follow require the funds to be available next day when less than $5,000. A good teller who knows to ask you about such checks should tell you it’s fake. They do receive alerts on these situations When I get the check I will be reporting this scammer. Also will reply to the initial message as 19 others received this scam text. They will always be a scam if you are to use the money before it clears thru processing by the other bank.
Is this a scam
October 23, 2019
Got a text today from 209-470-7590. Could you allow McCafe Drinks to put small sticker on your Truck/Care and you get paid 400 weekly for more details click this WWW. tiny. cc/ snppez. Is this a SCAM?
Arkansas
October 20, 2019
This one keeps coming to my email account! It is continuous and am exhausted getting this crap! I wish there was a way to scam the scammers!!!! ROCK SHANDY DRINK WOULD LOVE TO PASTE ITS AD ON YOUR LOVELY CAR AND YOU GET $300 FOR THAT PER WEEK.REPLY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED
Ray Burke
October 20, 2019
The ad always uses the word "kindly" in the instructions....its a Nigerian english lingo and a very common giveaway to me. The latest one I found is on craiglist.... always pay attention to the choice of words used...how many Americans have you heard talk like that? I.E.: Please> "kindly" read this.< or >"Bud Light energy drink"< >"Bud light Drink"< Us Americans dont referr to it in that manor.
Don&#039;t use your…
October 21, 2019
I have been getting advermitments for this very thing offering 600 a week, they send you a check for you and your detailer. teal construction!
Jhonthefly
October 21, 2019
Is there a scam where Napa auto parts send you a check for you to deposit for a decal for your car. 450 a week U
ChelceeBrotherton
October 23, 2019
I just received a check for $1,550 to wrap my car with Bud Light's logo, the check came in a big card board envelope from the postal service it has one name on it August Holmes from Naperville IL on the check it has a women's name Lee Ann Sims, of course being a single mom and down on her luck I thought why not I'll give it a try. Well when the check came something just told me to do a little research and I came across this and now I'm so glad I didn't cash it. I also saved the number because I plan on taking everything to the local authorities and to my local news so the word can spread because I don't want to see anyone else getting scammed. I'm so glad I listened to my gut.
scottie923
October 23, 2019
Got a text from Budlightdrinkinc about a car decal for new energy drink saying they would pay $400 a week to drive around as usual to work, shopping or wherever. English was not good so felt it was a scam, and when they say it seems too good to be true, it usually is. I would send the fake/bogus checks to the FBI or call your government official and ask them what you should do. They want you to apply with name, address, phone number and car model and color. They stated that a courier would be dropping off the check, but do not say money has to be sent to vendor doing shrink wrap! Good luck all, another one bites the dust as did not fall for their scam.
GEdwards
October 25, 2019
I received a check from Xerox Corp for $2650 to shrink wrap my car and pay for the process. Have you heard of it and is it legit?
Rhino
December 06, 2019

In reply to by GEdwards

I've had this Xerox scammer on the line trying to get his broken English responses to provide me his name and address to return the cashiers check hoping he would not realize I know he's a scammer in order to catch him or them I'm assuming. The number he contacted me with is (405)865-0133. So beware.....
tybl006
October 26, 2019
I received the same exact message from a car wrap company called teal constructions they sent a check but I haven't deposited it yet cause I basically wanted to do research to find out were they legit
Angel hugs
October 26, 2019
Received a check through FedEx for $2,199 today. And the guy said keep 500 and send the rest to the wrapping vendor Decal For Bud Light. Thought that was weird. Two of my kids are bankers, so lucky me, they told me about the scam.
zambartas
October 27, 2019
How do they want you to send the money to the "decal installer?" If it's a mailed check or wire transfer, can't you give the information to the authorities and have them catch the scam in action?
hippiechick
October 28, 2019
rip it up burn it !! It’s a scam and what they do is get you to deposit it not cash it cuz you put a stolen or fake check for $1600.00 you deposit it into your acct. pulling cash out and sending it to the company that is going to come a put on the decal ( which is like a 2 by 3 size square , would not be hard to put on your self ) but in truth your sending them (the scammers) back cash so you keep $400 as your first payment and end $1200 cash back to them !! The $400 never get a into your hands before your bank finds out it’s fake! Then left you owing your bank $1600 cash!!! You can’t cash them no where will cash them no check cashing places no Walmart’s not even the Indian casinos will cash them they put the numbers on the bottom of the check lower then the correct location on the checks so that When places like Walmart run the check through their check system the reader won’t read the numbers if the reader won’t read the numbers Walmart or anywhere else won’t cash them!! My husband and I got a check one in my name and one in his for $1600 each!! We knew it was a scam was gonna try scamming them back out if all the money but they out smarted us again they can not be cashed,@! If you found a stupid store to cash it then you would be held liable criminally !!
denise1613
October 29, 2019
I just received a check today for almost $2000 .. no other information.. and they haven’t texted me in a while.. since I accused him of it being a scam .. the check is from a company in NJ but mailed from New York.. I am not deposited it.. it will get setback tomorrow!
Glenn
October 30, 2019
Had a offer from David Greg for a Calvin Klein car wrap paying 500 a week, sounded to good to be true when check arrived we call bank to verify and it was a fake. Check was for 2650.00. Was to wire 2100 to person to install wrap and 550 for us.
SJlady45
November 15, 2019
This email was sent to me and original offer was via texted to me. Text: Put small decal on your car and make $500 weekly. Apply on our website below: /zfrmz. com SGfnH9z2Eor puDiO uEPW Email: Sylvester Livingston form CHARDONNAY WINE CAR On Nov 1, 2019, at 3:08 AM, Agagaggsf afaffafaf Vagsggsga agaf
dozier
November 01, 2019
I just was delivered a 4800.88 dollar check from A company that supposeably hired me to agree to a decal wrap on my jeep. Theyve been telling me all week to be prepared to deposit this check. I was told i would get paid 500 a month, so im like excited , that will make my car payment, right? I asked them if they could call me cause we havent decided on how long this project last. I havent heard anything. so damn it, I was hopeful this was legit but now im not going to cash it . bummer. what do these people have to gain if i end up blowing the funds and paying my bank back?
B. Nelson
November 02, 2019
Called on car wrap for Aquafina Water. A check arrives and its from RLA Home Builders??? Who are they. Since when do home builders pay you to wrap your car for a water company. Check was for $3800 and we were to deposit it in the bank. We keep $500 and send the rest of the money to the company that wraps your car. ??? No we did not follow the letter directions in the priorty mail envelope. Please do not fall for these scams.
Mellow Mel
November 03, 2019
Did any of you receive a contract before the check?
Christina
November 04, 2019
I got a check today for $2500. I’m suppose to deposit it and text back. It’s suppose to be from bud light car decal department. I have not done it
Klong
November 07, 2019
We just got a check from Aquafina for 4,590 they said to deposit the check take 500 for my self and give it to the car wrap tech we didn’t do this because there are three different address one to national ink and stitch second Johnson smith co third is Aquafina that rang a warning bell the name on the letter is Charles Quick hiring manager car decal AD team Aquafina should I throw the check out? What should I do
nhraluvr1981
November 15, 2019
I just got that scam check and I'm bee thinking it's to good to be true and what happens now I got second check and put in bank and bank calling me
godsgirl
November 08, 2019
So today my daughter let me know she was going to get several checks and to watch for them. Knowing that nothing comes for free red flags immediately stand up. So she gets several checks in the mail one of them was To do the auto wrap for Kronik Energy. The check was 2980.00 from Downey Federal Credit Union in Downey Ca. The next check was supposedly from Dr Pepper to do an auto wrap. The check was for 3500.00 from First Bank, no company name on this one. Both have the same scam, you have to pay somebody who is going to come and put the decal on and you get $500 out of the check. Everyone beware the scam is still alive!!!! Of course she isn’t going to be depositing the checks!
Evita
November 08, 2019
I just got this. I’m confused as to why they’d want me to pay the contractor. So I decided to do some research and found this page. This is Mr Frank from AMP ENERGY DRINK ADVERT ON YOUR CAR you filled online. The full details already sent to your email. Check your email. This is to let you know your weekly payment for the advert is $400 and the rest funds goes to the Specialist coming for the wrap installation. Please get back to me when you receive this message and deposit the check. Acknowledge this message by texting back once you got this text. From my email. Welcome to the AMP ADVERT DRINK advertisement program, A specialist who will install the decals on your vehicle has been allocated and your payment will be scheduled. You will receive your payment along side with the money that will be paid to the national car specialist, This is to afford mutual relationship between you and the specialist. A payment of $3600.90 will be mailed to you, You are to take out your first week's pay of $400 and send the rest to the specialist Walmart Via money order at the Post Office Or Wire Transfer, being payment for the installation and removal of the decals after the program. We need you to confirm the following How long do you intend to carry the advertisement on your car ? One(1)month two(2) months three(3) months Do you drive everyday ?
kemmanuelli
November 11, 2019
One of the numbers that calls is 702-983-1481
Obiesway
November 15, 2019
Just got this! Hi, Would you allow Amp Energy Drink to place Advertisement decal on your Car or Truck and get 500 dollars weekly? For more information go to drivewith ampenergy. wixsite.
Thomas
November 15, 2019
Capri sun a scam as well Sent me a check for 3,850 and told me to keep 1,050 and pay the wrappers. The rest You get Check and they tell you to pay the people rip it up don't cash it people are lazy these people are afraid to work for a living
LolaB.
November 18, 2019
I received a check yesterday delivered by Fedex for $4100! It was for having my truck wrapped for BUSCH BEER LOGO (1-3 months). I thought it was a blessing in disguise because I am behind on property taxes and am probably going to lose my home and this would have paid off what I owe ! Luckily, I showed my son what I had gotten and he said DO NOT DEPOSIT THE CHECK, IT IS A SCAM! It was a check from Pinnacle Bank and the company name on the check was THE EISENHOWER FOUNDATION out of Abilene,Kansas...just going through my emails and saw where I had received another email telling me that they require an Upfront payment of $800 for "THE SERVICE I AM RENDERING"!!! Of course I emailed back and questioned it and said I shouldn't be paying you for something I am doing. So, come Monday, I will be reporting them and contacting The Eisenhower foundation to inform them of whats happening.
tefLon94
November 19, 2019
This is happening to me right now. His name is Michael Loe. He’s offering $600 a week for Snapple advertising on my car.
Reds
November 20, 2019
I got a check for 4, 950 dollars. Saying they want me to deposit the check. And they want me to take out 2950 dollars for the technician/ installer. First of all I know that this is a scam because, checks don't take 24 hours to clear and second no one is going to pay you 2000 for something that hasn't happen yet!
Don&#039;t usedespe…
November 27, 2019
I jist gor one from napa the check is from an Arizona bank told me to deposit take mind make out sensitive info send copy of deposit and if I do that in 24 hours the next week they will send a 200 dollar amazon card with my weekly check and the installer will email me whwn an where to meet for the install an i will meet an pay and that the money covera uninstall as well an its a 10 week campaign. Got a phone number email and an afdress anf it came by ups
Brad
November 29, 2019
Just got an offer from Haagen-Dazs ice cream to shrink wrap my car. I wish there was some way to get this check and be able to rip the scammer off. So tired of scammers on Craigslist also
Marge
November 30, 2019
I'd like to inquire if the Carabao energy drink $500 a week pay to advertise on your car, is a scam. Thanks
Don&#039;t use your…
December 02, 2019
Now they're using 'Calvin Klein' to get you to shrink wrap car
ConfusedInLaurel
December 02, 2019
Has anybody had one from a Izze Sparkling Juice company.....? I just received a package and enclosed was a check. Which was to be deposited in my account for 24 hours. I saw the link on Facebook and filled out the form. Since then I've been being texted as if I stole something from them. I had no clue of the package being sent because the site that I filled out the form on didn't let me finish it. Has anyone else had this company try to scam them?
Maribelhuerts26
May 05, 2020

In reply to by ConfusedInLaurel

I got a text from some guy named Jeffery kamal saying that he’s the HR manager for izze sparkling juice and that I will get $400 do decal my car and that they will send a check and get my $400 out of it and transferred payment to the decal specialist that will put the decal on my car
Ddcreech86
July 21, 2020

In reply to by ConfusedInLaurel

I recieved one from them, but they are not telling me to wait 24 hrs, they are telling are telling me to wait until the check clears with my bank then do as informed after...
Tuneman2
December 02, 2019
Amp Energy Drink is attempting to scam again. I have a check waiting in my box. I'm not in hurry to get my mail because I know its fake. Should I report this to my sheriff office? Would it do any good?
Gatorgirl72
December 04, 2019
I received the same offer in an email, they sent the check, I deposited it through bank ATM and then the next day I logged into my account and it showed the deposit then a deduction, when I called the bank the first time they advised I did not endorse the back of the check and they were mailing it back to me. Well I never received the check back call the bank again and no one could give me an answer. After several calls and about three to four weeks later I finally got ahold of someone who told me that the check was not legit or was printed incorrectly that I should contact the company and have them check their checks and if it is an error to issue another. The Energy Drink company said the numbers were correct, which I could tell they were all incorrect routing number are always 9 digits and this was much longer and then where the account number goes had 10 digits. He tried to tell me that is how their bank does corporate accounts, I told him I thought it was fraud with other choice words. The guy then said he was sorry and didn't understand why my bank was having an issue but there is another way I could get paid and have the wrap placed on the car. The guy explained they can western union me the money that he was going to send me the code via text and not to share it with anyone but him. So I was supposed to send the code back to him in a text however when I received the code it was for google, not western union, he was trying to get access to my google account. He continued all day today asking for the code and I kept telling him I had not received one from Western Union yet and he tried to tell me that was from Western Union and advised that their authorization codes are provided through google. Still have not told him the code. I can see how it could be a scam to get access to my personal information for identify theft, however because I am a Protection Investigator, I am playing this one out to see how far they will go and if there is a different angle or scam besides just ID Theft. Anyone have the same encounter? The reason I am wanting to find out if there is a different angle is because my 26 year old son was charged with a felony for cashing one of these types of checks because he took it to a little store by his house that cashes checks they waited until it cleared their bank then gave him the money, but is bounced several weeks later by then he didn't have the money to pay the store back and the store turned him in to the Police and he was charged with uttering a fasle document. My son really thought it was a good check it wasn't for a car wrap or anything like that it was something he sold on craiglist (which the person never picked up the dirt bike either).