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.

I'm Kitti
June 20, 2020
There is no easy money. These people blew up my cell during the pandemic. Who with a soul would prey on humans during the worst times of their life I SAID I WILL NOT DO THIS UNLESS I TALK TO SOMEONE AT "BANG ENERGY DRINKS " COMPANY AND WHY DON'T YOU PAY THE DETAILER? I thought I finally scared them away but a week later I got a check FedExd to me. I called Bang & left a message, then shredded the check. I can see young kids falling for this and not telling their parents.
Don't use your…
June 22, 2020
They use someone’s phone number to send scams to a whole lot of people at once. Then your phone blows up with half of the people texting STOP. I called the number that sent out 24 messages all at once to everyone. The phone number answered with a man named Brian on the voice message. He replied to the string saying delete. If they are using someone else’s number, then how did “Brian” text on the string of people? Hmmmm
Nancyesteele1
June 22, 2020
What about dasani is it a scam for advert on car
LC 37
June 23, 2020
I just got a message from Rockstar energy drinks an they said they pay 930 bi-weekly an someone comes to put it on an its all completely free but they did want my email, phone #,name,age,an sex . Has anyone heard about this one an if it's real or not ?
The devil come…
June 25, 2020
I received a check for Aquafina. I thank everyone for sharing their experiences
Cindy Looney
June 27, 2020
I just got a check for 1870.30 with this same thing I deposited it and of course I'm going to wait for it to clear but I had no idea it was a scam. Shame on you people. Didn't get my money ha ha.
jrvallejo
June 29, 2020
Beware of the zip fizz energy drink Wrap Advert Program. It’s definitely a scam!!! They will send you a cashier’s check $1950.35 and instructions for how to deposit into your account and keep for yourself $450 and get American Express $500 x 3 make copies of front and back and then text them. Please!!! Warning!! Do not do it! Report it!! So others can be aware!!!
Patoot39
June 30, 2020
I just received a check for 2000 out of which I keep 450 for my first payment and then put remainder 1550 on a cashapp, zelle or American Express gift card to pay the wrap specialist agency to put a Breyer's ice cream wrap on my car. The check is from a title company in Florida and the number to text back is a new Jersey number. Thank you for all your comments because I think this is another one of those scams.
blkjack
July 01, 2020
I got the same scam on my phone, it offered me $660. a week plus put $1900. in my bank. Send them back $600. Ya right !
Dgloria
July 01, 2020
I got a fed ex package with a check for $4,950 telling me that I was an applicant for a car wrap campaign. I am to deposit the check then text copy and email a copy as proof of deposit to them. Tells me that an amount is for my weekly pay (no amount given) and the rest is for the car wrap. Checked the name of the entity check was written on (Washing International School) of course it does not exist. Surprise Surprise
Banger Wealthy
July 02, 2020
Yesh... but how can the bank even cash a fake check or wire it.... I recieved one for $3500... and how do the criminals get paid if they are writing the checks???
Eric
July 02, 2020
I got one from frito lay last month and this month with the exact same information. Both had a cashiers check for $3970.00. Pretty sure this is a scam. I didn't deposit the first check because I wasn't sure my vehicle would make it to the "local installer" I were to have to report too.
Mara.K
July 06, 2020
I received a check today for 2499.75. They didn’t ask to wire money yet but I knew it was too good to be true. I deposited the check already and now I’m thinking of just closing my account altogether.
Lilybug
July 09, 2020
Does anyone know if halo top creamery texting me a link randomly for an application saying they will pay me $500 a week to have a sticker on my back window?
JC Powell, GA
July 09, 2020
Just got this scam in the form of a GROUP TEXT message with 20 random numbers. Still happening in 2020. Monster Energy car wrap scam.
Catchersaregre…
July 27, 2020

In reply to by JC Powell, GA

I got one tonight from Rowdy Energy Drink international versatile advertisement. Asked for an ID I asked for their iD, I s risky got a DL back from a girl that supposedly lives in West Virginia names, I sent them an old Texas issued private security ID with my DOB blacked out. They kept on wanting my Paypal routing and account number. I played stupid like I wasn’t very tech savvy and didn’t know anything about PayPal. I appreciated her sending her DL but told her honestly all I see is your hands how do I know this is truly you and not a fake or stolen ID? I asked for some proof the she really worked for HR for this Rowdy Drink company, also it’s almost 11pm who sends text messages to potential employees at this hour? Anyway never can be to careful!
Pcimani
July 11, 2020
Received message but they wanted my bank information! Always, if it’s too good to be true, IT IS!
Waterboy1900
July 11, 2020
I received an email stating if I would be interested in a car wrap for Dr Pepper. I hesitated but agreed, 1 week later I received a check for $3650 which is my payment and the balance for a technicians fee to come install decal. Have I been scammed
dumblikeme
July 13, 2020

In reply to by Waterboy1900

You haven't been scammed (yet) until you send them money or give them too much information (bank account, etc). Their check is no good. Just trash it.
X. Rico
July 12, 2020
I got a text a week or so ago about having a car vinyl put on for RC Cola and driving around for $500 per week for 16 weeks. The check just came in today for $1425.62 and I was told to deposit it and pay half the check to the graphic design person through either cashapp or zelle. At first I was super excited, until a friend convinced me to look into it to see if it were actually real. That’s when I found this article and immediately texted the guy, Philip Cook, and told him thanks but no thanks. Make sure to watch out for the numbers 2052362749 and 2057842499
need to know
July 14, 2020
I just received a check for almost $3,500 have my car wrapped you know I'm going through a lot of financial difficulty right now and I'm on furlough and it sounded like a good idea but I believe it's a scam what do people do about this I just got it today andhe's texting me in trying to ask when am I going to deposit the check I need to let them know what are you suggesting I do about this
Leetm
July 16, 2020
I just recieved check for 4600 suppose to deposit in bank. Keep 500 for dr. Pepper wrap. Telling me pay the rest to person coming to wrap car. I know better than this scam. Ck will go to police station with Kelvin Drake claims he's the HR manager auto wrap. But email chris young then text Kevin seems like a big scam.
DK1963
June 04, 2021

In reply to by Leetm

I just received a check today for $4700. Said to send proof once check was deposited keep $600 pay rest to wrap installer. Im almost did this till i did more research on info on check. Im glad i investigated it more thourally. I HATE SCAMMERS! THEY ALWAYS DO THIS TO VULNERABLE ADULTS WHICH IS SAD. THESE PEOPLE NEED TO BE CAUGHT AND LOCKED UP.
Angel
July 17, 2020
I got a check by a ups driver today telling me the same thing to pay the person and keep the rest of money myself so what do I do with the check ?
Hunter
July 17, 2020
So did anyone at all deposit the check and then just wait to see what happens? If it is bad what are the repercussions if the funds are still in the bank?
Janice Bartlett
July 19, 2020
I fell for this vehicle was ad three times. I rece
Racer
July 21, 2020
I had this happen but I waited few days and sure enough the check bounced. I only lost $19.00 for the return check charge from my bank. I would like to get that back.
y_me
July 22, 2020
ok so like a fool I received one of these text messages from now energy I filled out the info to sign up to ha e my car wrapped and received a check yesterday didn't get it to the bank until today no money has been removed it's still there but they are hounding me to send a cashiers check as things went today which was horrible. my car ran out of gas stuck inside of it hot as hates for an hour or so and I wasn't going to spend any of it thank goodness I didn't but what do I do now just wait or should I call and inform the bank? and if so of what a fraudulent check I deposited don't need that kinda drama
SusieQ
August 06, 2020
I received a text today from primetime06@ telling me I can make $500 weekly just for putting a Blue Bell Ice Cream decal on my car. I was to send them my full name; address, city, state, zip code; phone number; vehicle model; and an e-mail so that they can process my first week payment asap.
TLO OUT
July 25, 2020
My husband received a check from Fetch Settlement Services, LLC the check was $4,950.00 drawn on a bank called Univest Bank and Trust company. Letter told him to keep @2,000.00 for himself, deposit the rest and send them a copy of the deposit slip and text the Wrap Autos Co-ordinator David M. Craig by text only. At the bottom of the letter it said if he sent confirmation within 24 hours he would get a $200.00 Amazon gift card. Yeah Right. As soon as I read the letter i told him it was a scam. Then i researched it on the internet and where did my search of "Getting Paid for Wrapping Your Car", right her to the FTC website. Shredder here this nonsense goes. Please Be Careful.
Feather
July 26, 2020
I have also received the offer, mine is saying it is from Nestle... Years ago I had fallen for a similar money scam so I was lucky enough to realize this scam for what it is...
123ithappenedtome
July 26, 2020
Rush energy drink is a company that is doing this now. They sent me a check for $2,500 told me to deposit it then when my bank would not accept it they threatened me the guy's name is Mark Kirkman and the other guy's name is David Miller. If you get any messages or emails from either one of these guys from Rush energy drink report them immediately. I am so thankful that my bank did not cash that check.
vpat
July 26, 2020
I received a group message from 505-350-5502 stating it was a paid advertising wrap for Dr Pepper Drinks for $450 weekly. Go to form and complete with a bogus address. I did the form just to see. Same day a message from 803-626-9021 came through from Michael neaty (yes last name spelled lower case in text and form) who is the Intructor Manager for Dr Pepper Drinks. The message asks to verify address to please confirm. I messaged back, please provide steps with a screenshot of scam alert read and asked how to be sure not a scam. The response I received was No this is a real legitmate job sir (Im a female by the name i gave in the form) and was to told to get back to them once Ive done that for more details. Be careful out there, people are becoming increasingly creative during these times.
L.Amirolyn't u…
July 27, 2020
Just got tapped via text for this from Aquafina Water. Took me to a site that "seemed" legit, but I had the same questions. The money offered was also too good to be true, and the fact that no company OR person with the good sense they were born with would freely mail a check to a stranger without proper precautionary measure.
Jc
August 06, 2020
McCafe apparent scam: Received a check for 2950.00 my payment is supposedly included, deposit then keep my portion use remainder to pay the individuals wrapping my vehicle.....very sketchy, has info on who to call, txt and asking for a picture of deposit, ect... names are so similar Timothy Hills, Timothy Roland..lol has anyone heard of @ zohomail.
DoNotGonnaBeFo…
July 28, 2020
Just got a check today, for a dunkin donuts car wrap.
Kilometers 72
July 28, 2020
The new one is for c4 energy drink don't fall for this scam.
Pdp
July 30, 2020
Received a message from supposed Basket Robbins company to wrap the car for 500 $ weekly No explanation what to do with money 100% scam Where to report it?
Sherry Lozano …
July 30, 2020
Aquafina says that they will pay 740 a week to use ur car and put a wrap on it. Check came fedex. Instructions are as follows To text to a number and verify you received
Money22
July 30, 2020
MAN IM BEING THREATEN AND HARRASSED RIGHT NOW THEY STOLE ALL MY INFO CAN SOMEONE HELP I THOUGHT THIS WAS A LEGIMINATE JOB OFFER
windy river
January 25, 2021

In reply to by Money22

Did u cash the check? give them your banking information? call or go to better business an see what help they can offer u
Be on the look…
August 06, 2020
Just got this: Hello, Monster Energy would like to place decal on your BIKE, CAR or TRUCK for advert and get paid $500 weekly. Please, if interested, Click/wp. me PbZT N8-5) for more info and to apply. Thank You
tracie
August 04, 2020
I received a check for over 2000 for putting a decal for bud light it was delivered priority mail
Jesscarol
August 08, 2020
I accidentally did a application I thought was for a warehouse and it was that and then got a text saying he was gonna send me money but I quickly texted back said don't send me anything bc it's goin back to sender . Or trash they ain't getting my bank info ... This the right thing thing to do rite..
Jesssikuhh
August 14, 2020
I just got this text message (I'm go glad I looked into it first.. seemed sketchy to me): , Get rewarded for having our Sticker on your auto up to $3000 mo. Sign now. apw. inwca. us/ 58003/ lTrAun text stop 2 opt-out
Adrian G
August 14, 2020
Just got a text message entailing two links and an image of text on a screen. It was about a 500 dollar a week job with Blue Bell Ice cream , putting a vinyl decal sticker on my car, I did not see a mention of a check but they said money would be sent after a week after getting my information. The email that sent me this text message was this person: adreaw22@ I went ahead and deleted the message and blocked that contact, it’s not worth anyone time. It’s a scam and everyone’s accounts here confirms my suspicions.
Tamollie42
August 10, 2020
I’ve been scammed at least 8 times since February 2020 . I literally have close to $20000.00 in fraudulent checks that were either fedex to me overnight or by USPS overnight . All of which suggesting the same scenario . Deposit a check of substantial amount , keep a small portion of check for myself and the rest to a car wrap company. Every time the check is denied by my banks. Beware ! All of It is a waste of time and effort for you . False hope put in a completely nameless con and your the one that suffers the consequences if , God forbid , a deposit actually gets accepted by your institution. Only paper trail to follow is your own . Victimized and named the culprit. Shame on the scammers for preying on an unemployed individuals desperate attempts for an income in this pandemic plagued nation of ours. All hope is gone here for me I give
Aleac83
August 10, 2020
What if they never ask for it to be wired any cash they say it’s supposed to pay for it when I take it in. I looked up company their bank didn’t have scam alert on acct but my bank refused to cash?? Still scam. I was leaving in for like a month to see if cancelled
Mybabies1516
August 12, 2020
I received a email from amp energy drink company and they offered me 500 a week to wrap my car they said I should receive the check in 5 to 7 days for me to go to the place here in Charlotte I asked if I used any of the money to pay for wrap he said no and gave me the place to go when I received the check and the guys name who's doing the wrapping and said once he start wrapping I can cash and begin to use money tell me please should I think real or not
No fool here
August 13, 2020
I was contacted by text. Today a check for $2920 was on my porch. In a USPS mailer, I found that suspicious, because my mail is being forwarded. I was going to ask the bank to verify it, but now I will toss it in the trash.