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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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Juggalo-X
July 12, 2019
I got one that says they will mail me the check, to cash it and take my cut out of it then, give the rest to the person who is supposed to come out to wrap my vehicle. It's also supposedly from Amp Energy Drinks. Anyone else get this?
Bkasee
July 17, 2019
I recieved a check for 2, 9.00.00, saying to have my car wrapped, and they pay me 400.00 we, and they even pay for wrap, sent letter with tracking numbers, and all, out of the, I seen the website on local news station, but yep, its fraudulent!! And they didnt even ask for money, I called news station where I got the website, something needs to be done!! It was for amp energy!!!
Melinda
July 17, 2019
So I received a check for $3500. They asked me to kindly return it or dispose of it because it has s wrong telephone number on it? What’s up with that?
Bweisman
July 19, 2019
So did the car wrap for celsius energy drink. Got a text minutes after fedex delivered a package containing a $2550 check and a letter telling me to go to bank cash check keep $500 and send rest to this car wrap company. Well seemed like a scam so i just didnt do it. Today 07/19/2019 i get a texted from that number asking me of i had received package and deposited it. This texted stated i was reported to FBI and local police for internet and call fraud. I wrote them back and said: Who is this? Bank says check is fake and i will be contacting my local FBI agency to see if their legit. Then i will proceed once verified this is not a scam. They wrote back and said just follow instructions on paper and i will be paid. I said once i find out the truth then well see what i do. Be careful these people hate being messed with so they will threat but dont listen and just dont believe them.
t use your e-m…
July 21, 2019
I've had someone call me to do this but they said they needed money first from me to get started. lol
Starla
July 23, 2019
Just Orange Drink just texted me for the same scam! Block all the numbers immediately when you receive these texts.
Orlando .r.
July 26, 2019
I got one now I'm gone take it to my Bank and let them look it over and see if it clears.. Then go from there I'm gone let it stay on the Bank for two weeks
PoodleguyDon't…
July 27, 2019
I had an outfit who calls themselves Pepsi Drink&Co. Had their “check” for $2300.44 ready to deposit & did some research, just to find out it is a scam. Caveat Emptor.
Marc
July 29, 2019
What about stickr.co?
Dee
July 29, 2019
The Dr. Pepper scammer tried to get me with a $3000 check. But when I looked up the name on the check it was to a realestate company, the name on the envelope was to a house in Illinois. I mailed it back. Seen the house on Google maps.
lolis4
August 04, 2019
I just got a check today for more than they has mentioned to me, and keep asking me to use my bank app to deposit it. I haven’t done it just yet because I’m skeptical about it.
Knocky
August 04, 2019
Well someone just did for oral b, it came as a text or email with a link for the application. The application was brief and it didn't ask for your ssi number, I'm just waiting for a response. Now since I know it's a scam, I will reject it.....thanks.
RyanDon't use …
August 17, 2019
Nos sent me a notice to earn money by having my car wrapped is this a scam?
Villa6211
August 30, 2019
I had one from snapple that used like 3 different citys mailed from Florida check cut from a place in Michigan and phone number from Oklahoma. Also the check it cut through a mortgage company that was are biggest red flag.
Glenda
August 21, 2019
I got one in the mail today and they have been messaging me every 15 to 20 mins deposit it fast I already called the credit union and they told me it was a fake
Renguerns1t us…
August 22, 2019
Oh ya this happened to me except I knew right off! We went back and forth in text. I pretended that I was at the bank and cashing or depositing(is what they were insisting on ) they wanted me to send a picture of deposit slip! I lied and told them I forgot the deposit slip in the ATM then I told them the bank cashed the check and gave it all to me in cash and I was keeping the full amount and not sending them a dime! I told them I just took it to a check cashing place ! Boy was he angry! Then I said I worked for the feds and the gig was up and they were busted! No more response after that! I turned the check over to the authorities... I mean do they think in this day and time people ( meaning banks aren't smarter than that!
Oty
August 23, 2019
I just got the check today. Earlier I got a text asking me if I deposited the check. I answered saying that nothing was delivered at my residence as indicated on such text. Then I got an answer right away saying that it was delivered at the mailbox and gave me a tracking number. I went and got it from the mailbox and it was just a plain check in an envelope for $2,600 so it was suspicious since it was a cashier's check that wasn't printed right, letters on left side of the check were half printed. The signature line was a solid line and beware with this since this line must be printed with very tiny letters to create the line. I texted back indicating that I went to the bank to deposit (I didn't even bother going to the bank) an I was told that it was an invalid. A few couple of hours later I still waiting for a text that will gave me further instructions (Yeah right). Now I will shred the check and put it in my hamsters cage so they can play with it. The text I was receiving were with an horrible grammar. Not even my self that doesn't know English very well would have that kind of grammar.
Daisypoo
August 25, 2019
There other way to check is too see where the envelope came from , the bank location then then contact location, my recent one came from 3 different states, I called the issuing bank to verify and found out it was a fake check
Duplay2
August 27, 2019
Listerinewrap.com is an online website where you are directed from an ad on facebook to wrap your car. I just got a check for $1750 to pay me $500 and then hold the rest for the person to come decal my car. So this is a scam too?
sunshine
August 27, 2019
Did they ever tell you that if you didn’t do what the email said you would face the consequences?
D Reel Deal
August 27, 2019
And yesterday I received one of those fake checks in the mail was actually a cashier's check was $1,438 supposed to be from Listerine. $500 of it was supposed to be taken out as my first weekly payment. Access deposit I was to email a copy of the deposit slip then I'll be notified by the rapping company of where and when to come so they can wrap it at my location. I took it by the bank and as soon as I walked up to the counter they recognized the envelope and when I pull the check out she started shaking her head she already knew that it was a fake. I just wanted to verify I'm so glad I did.
Little Crown
August 30, 2019
This is one I received today. .... Carry our sticker on your car/bike and start getting 500 weekly? just follow this link https ://bit.ly /2Z9
yolie52
August 28, 2019
I received a offer like that, I know it’s a scam. I asked a bunch of questions she answered them. . I said. I’ll deposit the check and leave it the until it clears. She said it would clear in 24 hrs. I asked for pictures of the wrap. They are good but I know it was a scam. Just playing with her.
BLACKINKCREW
August 30, 2019
I RECEIVED A MESSAGE STATING THEY WAS GOING TO MURDER ME OR CALL THE FBI AND CIA BECAUSE I STOLE THEIR MONEY... I NEVER RECEIVED THE CHECK AT ALL... HOW CRAZY ARE PEOPLE...
Akram A.
August 30, 2019
OMG, thanks a mil for this article. So, I have the same story. My wife got an email, and she opened it and it was this link: https:// driveforuss. wixsite. /marlboro It was telling me that Marlboro Man Cigarettes Company shall provide experts to wrap my car, and they would pay me $500 every week. But only for the first week, when I get the check, I would deduct $500 for me and send the rest funds to the decal agent. It was too good to be true, but something fishy in this ad. First, in the web site, it's using wixsite. which is a famous site to create your own site for small fee. Second, there were no contact us, no line phone, no customer service no email... etc. So I star googling about "Marlboro Man Cigarettes Company" and found no wrap ads related to this, then I put the same msg title of the msg that my wife got it on her phone "let marlboro cigarettes company put a small decal or sticker on your car and get $500 every week". Then I found you're very useful article. Your article just saved my wife's and my life. I just wanted to tell my story so someone else won't fall for this scammer like I was almost did. Thank very very much
Djjenn
August 30, 2019
I just got one from Pepsi telling me they are sending me 3500 To keep 1000 and give 3500 To the vendor
alabamamom
August 31, 2019
Just received a check for $2850 They want me to deposit Keep $500 Pay someone to wrap my car I will not be depositing It’s from a Davies Randal Check from Murray State University Federal Credit Union in Kentucky Don’t fall for it guys!
Austin
September 06, 2019
Watch out for Henry Ortiz. The scammer who attempted to swindle me out of hard earned money. The guy wanted me to deposit $3350 and take only $300 so that my car could be wrapped with Olympic ads. What A SCAMMER!
Kkoonce40
September 06, 2019
I seen the ad on TV so it's the one on the TV is that a scam
GoodVibes2019
September 10, 2019
I recieved an email asking if i wanted to make $300/week advertising a sticker on my car. I filled out the form and they texted me right away. This is the text message from Andrew Krause (917-936-0337: This is from ourhomeus property and its regarding the car wrap promo you signed up for, you are suppose to get the first paycheck in tomorrow's mail, Kindly send a text to this number confirming you receive it, And you can be given further details on the moving forward. Thanks and enjoy the rest of your day. I thought this was quite odd that they would send a check immediately but i responded saying "thank you, i will contact you once i recieve it." The very next day (today) i woke up to these texts: "Hello good morning please have a good look in the mail and send a text as soon as you received the paycheck thanks." "what time does your mail usually run please ??" "HELLO WHY ARE YOU BEING QUIET AFTER WE PROCESS A PAYCHECK TO THE ADDRESS YOU PROVIDED ??" I checked my mail right away and sure enough i had a big package waiting. It was a check in the amount of $3,850.00 with a letter attached stating to deposit directly into my bank account and funds will be available within one day. So I responded with tons of questions and the answers sounded legit. He said they would send someone out in the next few days to apply the sticker. I keep the $300 as promised plus $100 for gas allowance and the rest goes to the decal company. This was so odd to me! Big red flag!! Thank goodness i jumped on this website and saw these reports for scammers! I texted this man back telling him i will report him! His response was: "Well you will hear from our attorney tomorrow together with the IC3" My response to him: "The IC3 is the Internet Crime Complaint Center. They investigate internet facilitated criminal activity. I have done nothing wrong. I have not cashed or deposited this check. I almost fell for your scam. So if anything, YOU will be investigated and they will see that you tried to get me to deposit a check into my personal bank account with a fraudulent check. I have the text measages, the letter, and the check to prove it. Also The FBI Cyber Division is a Federal Bureau of Investigation division which heads the national effort to investigate and prosecute internet crimes including cyber based terrorism, espionage, computer intrusions, identity theft and major cyber fraud. You will be reported." Never heard a word back from him. I hope something can be done about this because this is so illegal and wrong!! BEWARE!! Scammers and Identity theft is real people!! Raise awareness! Lets put an end to this!!
Rusty2
September 12, 2019
I was sent a check for $2550, the check was sent through ups, i took the check to the bank and deposited it into a new account, after thinking about it i just had the feeling something wasnt right so i googled car wrap scams and after reading about all the people that shared their stories of being scamed i got scared, i deposited the check today im going back to the bank 1st thing tomorrow morning with all my paperwork and im closing the account will i be safe or do i have anything to worry about
Smiley
September 13, 2019
I have several checks & cashiers checks on file including latest from Kronic or Kronik whichever the case..
Nope Nope
September 25, 2019
Hi all! Just adding my 2 cents here. I just received a text about www. powerbarsports. to wrap my car and get paid $500 a week. Text came from (432)301-5227. I replied and then received an email from Rey Anderson
DebbieKeehn1
September 13, 2019
I got a text from Apple Advert LLC. To put them on the front doors of my car. I asked them if it was scam and the got offended. They said that they are sending a check 4500.00. The representative of the Apple Advert LLC. James Wealthman 209-214-7934. Google voicemail. Any one know of this. Pretty sure it's a scam. Just a heads up.
Screech
September 13, 2019
I got one from sent me a check for 3650 and wanted me to put it in the bank, then let them know ,and take 3150 for the wrap. Supposed to come out and wrap the car and pay them. They keep texting me ,trying to get it cashed. They won't answer the phone when I try to call.
Daisey
September 14, 2019
I just found out today that the check I actually cashed then decided to deposit instead of keeping cash on hand was possibly a scam. I was ordered to overnight the cash yesterday and today my account was negative the entire amount of the check. The guy emailed me today saying I needed another $30 for the installer to get it by Travelers Check and text a photo to him so the installer will come to wrap my van and pick up the $30 once he arrives. He hasn't responded back since I told him there was a problem with the check. He says he works with Xerox Corporation.
Vegasvegan
September 14, 2019
Vegan@. SCAM! Received a check took it to BOFA, fake stay away, im taking the whole envelope to metro, good luck scammer!!!
Simms2
September 16, 2019
THIS IS A SCAM DO NOT DEPOSIT CHECK IN TO YOUR BANK !
Simms2
September 16, 2019
Budweiser wrap campaign is a scam do not accept offer
chipster
July 31, 2020

In reply to by Simms2

I just got a check for an Auto Zone wrap on my car. The return address was from Petco on the envelope, the check was from some other company. Never deposited the check. When they sent me a text I replied why do you work at Petco? They never responded back.
MeKo
September 25, 2019
I got an email stating the company name was Dentsu Aegis Network Ltd., from apply .here2019 @ Williams Carson, Hiring Coordinator/Logistic Supervisor; signed by Douglas Jones, www. nkedin. com/company/ dentsu- aegis- network. I sent car info to them then was told I was selected, just had to sign their contract... then days later they said they're sending me a check with 'extra' funds for me to pay the vendor, so when I deposit my payment directly into their bank account it will initiate finding a vendor in my area--I was sure then it was a scam.
Hanmeimei
September 18, 2019
I straight told me it was shady and asked what company was wrapping the car and never got a response. Don't like someone questioning them.
Ann Loak
September 18, 2019
I run the fraud department at a bank and unless you personally know the individual paying you to wrap your vehicle, it's a scam. I know it sounds like a great way to make money, but unfortunately these scammers count on you to do what they ask so they can make money (meanwhile you'll end up owing the bank money). There has been a recent increase in mystery shopping, car wrapping, and house cleaning scams so if the offer sounds tooooo good to be true, proceed with caution.
Marketing Spec…
September 25, 2019
Working in consumer Engagement for the past 10 years and I will tell you this no big brand will pay any consumer to wrap your car in there logo. Any branded cars is wrapped by the 3rd party marketing company that these brands hire. Anyone that tells you there wrapping your vehicle with a big brand like beer tobacco or a drink is a scam.
Snow lady
September 26, 2019
I just got a 2200 dollar check from Bashas the people told me it was legit my bank told me if it was real to take it to wells Fargo where the check is from will I get in trouble if I cash it
Jnc1000
September 26, 2019
I just got a check for 4200 dollars to wrap my car in Dr pepper...i answered an ad about a job how do I know if this is legit or a scam
Don't use your…
September 27, 2019
I just got one of those checks. Wow if it was that easy. Wanted me to deposit the check. The check is from Appleton, Wisconsin. Their number was from NY Heavy accent. Nope. It was what I thought. Everyone be careful!!!!
Smarter than t…
October 18, 2019
Someone by the name of kenethbeasly@ sent this link 123formbuilder. /form- 5056372/ my-form for me to fill out an application and someone would text me thereafter. So I filled out the application with an unknown address with my phone number and this man allegedly named “Jamie Russel” at 1-325-267-6156 text me with several confirmations that he’d be sending this check for $2500 to me and to take $500 out and for me to send the rest to the detailer to wrap my car. I knew it was a scam and had several people of leisure to do the research. And we came to this site and all of the information you all said was exactly what he was texting me to do! I guess he thought I was an idiot but right idea wrong person! People please be aware that there are people who really hate their lives and try to destroy others! I hope everyone considering this reads this carefully and report these people because sadly it is a never ending process to attack people who are truly in need! God Bless!
Smarter than t…
September 29, 2019
Oh yeah I forgot to mention on my last post they said they were from Budweiser! Please don’t fall for anything you don’t get in an e-mail or former conversation in writing for sheer and precise proof!!!
think I’m bein…
October 01, 2019
I just recently agreed to one of these. I was promised $400/ week but received a check for $3000 & was told to deposit it & withdraw $400 & hold the rest to pay the professional to wrap my car. After reading this, I think I’m going to call the bank & have them cancel the check