In a nutshell: car wrap scams are a type of fake check scams.
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I first wrote about this scam back in 2013 and it’s almost 10 years later and still going strong.
This post alone has over 1,000 comments from people I’ve helped and countless more have written to me privately. I’ve saved tens of millions of dollars from falling into scammers hands.
If you aren’t careful, it can cost you thousands of dollars.
In fact, a study by the FTC showed that people reported a median loss of $1,988 in 2019 to fake check scams, including car wrap scams (Source)
Today, I’ll explain what a car wrap scam is, how to spot one, and relay my own personal experience with this scam, complete with photos.
How Do Car Wrap Scams Work?
As I’ve mentioned, car wrap scams are a type of fake check scams.
Generally, here’s how a fake check scam works:
1. Scammers get in contact with you.
Scammers get your information while you’re looking for a legitimate work from home job and reach out with a job offer.
Or maybe you end up contacting them because you saw an ad to “get paid to drive,” “mystery shopper wanted,” or “virtual assistant wanted.”
Others tell you that you’ve won a sweepstakes, even though you don’t remember ever buying a ticket or entering a contest.
2. They send you a fake check.
Once the scammer is talking to you, they send you a genuine-looking check. These checks look genuine enough to fool you and bank tellers.
Car wrap scammers will send you a check for a greater amount than they agreed to pay you. They’ll then tell you to deposit the check and send the graphic designers or car wrap service the rest of the amount so they can come and wrap your car.
Mystery shopping scammers will assign you to evaluate the services of a money transfer service or money order retailers, and sometimes gift card retailers. They’ll then send you a check to deposit it in your personal account and then wire the money to someone else or buy gift cards in that amount and send the codes to them.
Virtual or personal assistant scammers send you a check and then instruct you to buy gift cards for supplies for your clients and then send them the codes.
Sweepstakes scammers send you a huge check and then instruct you to wire them a certain percentage for taxes, handling fees, or processing fees.
3. You deposit the fake check.
When you make a check deposit, banks are legally required to make the funds available for you to withdraw immediately.
So you withdraw the funds and send the money to someone else or buy the gift cards, etc.
It all seems fuss-free and above board, right?
Wrong.
4. The check bounces.
It can take days or even weeks to uncover a fake check.
Once it’s uncovered, the check bounces and the bank takes back the money from your account.
But you’ve already sent thousands of your own dollars to the criminals!
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And they’ve vanished by this time. No way to contact them, no way to get the gift card codes back.
So you’re on the hook for the money, and now you have to explain to your bank why you even deposited a fake check into your account in the first place. You’re out the overdraft fees as well if you don’t have enough to cover the money that the bank took back.
This post was originally published in 2013. This scam is STILL occurring today and it looks like it will continue well into the future.
In fact, car wrap scams are now even more dangerous as the people behind them are coming up with more convincing ways to trick people into losing their hard-earned money.
For instance, some of the brands they claim to work with include ROCKSTAR Energy Drink®, Monster Energy Drink, Aquafina, Pirelli Tyres, McCafe, Dunkin’ Donuts, Langers Juice Company, Dr. Pepper, Marlboro, Purell, and many other big names.
Keep reading to see my experience with this scam and if you have received an email that you think might be sketchy, please post it in the comments below.
Can I cash the fake check?
The very first question I get asked is: “Can’t I just take the fake check to one of those check cashing places and keep the money?”
The answer is a hard no.
Check cashing facilities do not hand out money anonymously. You need to provide them with your identity, proof of residence, proof of employment, phone number, address, and so on. Even if they do manage to cash the check for you, the check will bounce and now they know how to get in contact with you.
They will start off by calling you, then mailing a certified letter, then they will escalate it and get the authorities involved. If you do not respond to their attempts to contact you, you can expect a warrant to be placed for your arrest by the authorities.
How to Spot, Avoid, and Report a Car Wrap Scam
So, knowing all these, what can you do to protect yourself from being scammed?
Take note of the following information:
1. Know how legitimate car wrap companies operate.
Actual car wrap companies do exist, such as Carvertise, Wrapify, Nickelytics, and My Free Car.
The main thing is that normally drivers come to them, not the other way around. They typically evaluate drivers based on how many miles they drive, where they drive, and their driving record.
They typically cover the cost of the wrapping themselves, too.
So if you do receive an email asking if you’re interested in having your car wrapped and getting paid hundreds of dollars a week, and you know you haven’t contacted or applied to a car wrapping company, ignore it. That’s likely a car wrap scam.
Most importantly, the amount on the check they’ll send you is exactly for the agreed amount, if they even pay you by check. Carvertise, for instance, pays you via direct deposit.
2. Never deposit checks from people you don’t know.
Sometimes it can be that simple.
Got a check in the mail from a stranger? Put it down and report it (see how below).
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3. Never use money from a check to buy gift cards, money orders, or wire money to third parties.
This applies even if you were written a check by someone you know.
If you buy gift cards and send the codes, or wire money, that’s like giving someone cash. You’re never going to get that money back.
Plus, what legitimate company wants you to send them digital gift cards? This alone doesn’t pass the sniff test.
4. If you receive a suspicious check, report it immediately.
Help yourself and other potential victims by reporting it to the following:
- Federal Trade Commission
- US Postal Inspection Service (under mail fraud)
- Attorney General
So what should you do when a scammer wants you to cash a fake check?
Here’s my personal experience with these car wrap scammers:
The Car Wrap Scam
In mid-September, I received an email from “David Christian” that originated from the address patriciabarrington@hotmail.com. The email simply said the following: Would You Wrap Your Car in an Ad for $300 Weekly? After I answered “yes,” I received the following email back:
Hello,
Wrap advertising is the marketing practice of completely or partially covering (wrapping) a vehicle in an advertisement or livery, thus turning it into a mobile billboard. This can be achieved by simply painting the vehicle surface, but it is becoming more common today to use large vinyl sheets as decals. These can be removed with relative ease, making it much less expensive to change from one advertisement to another. Vehicles with large, flat surfaces, such as buses and light-rail carriages, are fairly easy to work with, though smaller cars with curved surfaces can also be wrapped in this manner. Wrap advertising is available to anybody irrespective of the vehicle you drive.
We are currently seeking to employ individuals in the United States of America. How would you like to make money by simply driving your car or banner wrapped for ROCKSTAR Energy Drink®
How it works?
Here’s the basic premise of the “paid to drive” concept: ROCKSTAR Energy Drink® seek residents in the United States who are professional drivers to go about their normal routine as they usually do, only with a big advert for “ROCKSTAR Energy Drink®” plastered on your car. The ads are typically vinyl decals, also known as “auto wraps,”that almost seem to be painted on the vehicle, and which will cover any portion of your car’s exterior surface.Don’t Have a Car?
If you don’t have a car, you can also participate if you have a bike.What does the company get out of this type of ad strategy?
Lots of exposure and awareness. The auto wraps tend to be colorful, eye-catching and attract lots of attention. Plus, it’s a form of advertising with a captive audience,meaning people who are stuck in traffic can’t avoid seeing the wrapped car alongside them. This program will last for 3 months and the minimum you can participate is a month.What is the Contract Duration?
Once the wrap has been installed, minimum term is 4 weeks and maximum is 12 weeks.Would the wrap/decal damage the paint of my car?
The decal doesn’t damage the paint of car and will be removed by our representative once the contract expire. We will be responsible for installation and removal of the wrap.You will be compensated with $300.00 per week which is essentially a “rental”payment for letting our company use the space and no fee is required from you. ROCKSTAR Energy Drink® shall provide experts that would handle the advert placing on your car. You will receive an upfront payment of $300.00 in form of a check via courier service for accepting to carry this advert on your car.
It is very easy and simple no application fees required. Get back with the following details if you are interested in this offer.
Applicant information:
Name :
Full Street Address(not PO BOX) :
APT #:
City,State,Zip Code:
Cell Phone Number:
Home Phone Number:
Age:We shall be contacting you as soon as we receive this information.
Best Regards,
David Christian
Hiring Manager,
ROCKSTAR Energy Drink®
I provided my contact information, after which I received the following email:
Thank you for your swift response and your willingness to work with us. To this effect, you are advise to check your email regularly to get updates as to know when your upfront payment will arrive at your address.
1) You will receive a Check as a form of payment. As soon as you get the check, you will cash it for the decal wrapping on your car and deduct $300.00 as your up-front payment. The rest of the funds from that same check should be transferred to the Graphic artist that will wrap the decal on your vehicle. All you need is to confirm the acceptance and understanding of this email.
2) You will make a transfer of the remaining funds to the Graphic artist via wire transfer at an outlet in your area, the Info which you will make the transfer to will be emailed to you soon.
3) We’ll like you to confirm Information about your vehicle as below:
i) Type of Car and Color :
ii) Model/Year :
iii) Present Condition and the Mileage:
Note: Please, confirm that you did receive this message so that we can process funds that would be sent to you for the car advert.
All other instructions will be sent out to you asap.
I…………..Confirm to have received this email and understand the content.
Best Regards,
David Christian
Hiring Manager,
ROCKSTAR Energy Drink®
The Fake Check Arrives
I confirmed my willingness to work with “ROCKSTAR Energy Drink.” About a week later, I started receiving text messages on my phone from David Christian regarding my upcoming “check”.
Sure enough, when I went home and opened my mailbox, I found a check made out to me in the amount of $2,350. Woo hoo!
Interestingly, the check was made to look like it was coming from BOP, LLC, a legitimate clothing store business here in Madison, Wisconsin. The envelope, however, had a copy of a USPS Priority Mail 2-Day slip on it in which Rudy Grado, at 27405 Sutherland Drive, Warren, MI 48088-6078, was noted as the sender. I took pictures of both the fake check and the envelope it came in and have provided these pictures below. The pink stickies were affixed by me to hide my home address.
I called BOP, LLC and told them that I had received a check from them for the amount of $2,350. The business immediately asked me if my check was blue. I said no; it was actually a green color. The store immediately informed me that the check was fake and I should talk with law enforcement.
Meanwhile, I had David Christian texting me at least twice that day and asking me if I’d received my instructions on what to do with the check. I texted “him” back that I had yet to receive any emailed instructions. Naturally, when I later checked my email I found the following message:
Hello Halina,
Kindly proceed and deposit the check into your bank account and funds will be available for withdrawal 24hrs after it has been deposited. I will be waiting for a confirmation message immediately the check is deposited.
As soon as the cash is out you are to deduct $300.00 which is your upfront payment and forward the balance ($2,050.00) to the graphic artist that will be wrapping the decal on your vehicle via Money Gram and they will also be responsible for removing the decal when the program is completed. Please visit www.moneygram.com to check agent location close to you and make transfer through them.
Below is the name of the receiver. Please note that the transfer charges should be deducted from the remaining $2,050. You are to get back to me with the transfer details (Reference Number and the exact amount sent).
Below is the Graphic Artist Money Gram details to send the Money to
Receiver’s Information:
Name: Sandra Fagan
City: Jacksonville
State: FL
Zip Code: 32210Kindly get back with the information below once the transfer has been completed.
Reference Number & Total Amount Sent
FAQ: Why am I sending money to Florida? The head office of the graphic artist is in FL.
As soon as payment is acknowledged by them, a local artist in your area will be sent to your address to install the decal wrap on your car. Let me know as soon as the check is deposited today.
If you require additional information, do not hesitate to email or call me.
Best regards,
David Christian
Hiring Manager.
(702)605-0985
What do you think I should do?
At this point in time, I’m debating about taking several different courses of action. I could do the following:
1. Contact local law enforcement and tell them that Patricia Barrington, Sandra Fagan and Rudy Grado are writing fake checks in a legitimate Madison business’ name.
2. Contact the FBI about the same issue since it spans several states (i.e., Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada and Florida).
3. Tell the scammers that I’ve deposited the check and am waiting for it to clear. This puts the car wrap scammers in a holding pattern because checks typically take 1-2 weeks to clear.
4. Tell the scammers that their “employment” check has been forwarded to the IRS for cashing because I owe back taxes and all my earnings must first be garnished (That should put them into a panic!).
5. New development! I might have a second car wrap scam check coming to my house very soon. This one is from George Jennings of NOS Energy Drink. Should I tell the ROCKSTAR scam folks that I’ve instead decided to work with the NOS scam folks- or vice versa?
I’ve Tried That readers, what would you do in this situation?
Update as of October 7, 2013:
First off all, thank you everyone for your feedback! I was feeling a little confrontational this morning, so I decided to first text David Christian and say that I’d deposited the check last Friday at my bank. Within seconds, I received a text message back from him, asking if I’d received my email instructions.
Deciding to not play text tag any longer, I called Mr. David Christian at the phone number (702) 605-0985. A guy with a slight English accent picked up the line and actually identified himself as David Christian. I told him that I’d deposited the check I’d been sent last Friday, but the bank had put a hold on it for some reason. He asked me how long the hold was. I answered that the bank wanted to hold it for two weeks.
David didn’t seem too concerned about the hold and said that I could just wait until the check cleared, then write out my own check to the graphic artist.
I then asked David about the Madison business that had been listed on the check (BOP, LLC). I said I was confused about why this business was being listed on the check. David answered that this business was the sponsor.
I then told David that I had contacted this business and they had no idea what I was talking about. BOP had also told me that the check was the wrong color (their checks have a blue background).
At that point, David and I lost connection. I tried calling him back at least two times. No answer. I wonder what happened. I hope he’s OK…
Update as of October 12, 2013:
This past week, I received the following email from a “George Jennings (george.jennings11@outlook.com)” of NOS Energy drink:
Hello Halina,
Information reaching me this morning has it that you will be receiving the check today. The check of $2,330.00 has been sent to you via USPS with tracking number (9405501699320009816575) and it will be delivered to you this morning. Kindly proceed and deposit the check into your bank account and funds will be available for withdrawal 24hrs after it has been deposited.
I will be waiting for a confirmation message immediately the check is deposited. As soon as the cash is out you are to deduct $300.00 which is your upfront payment and forward the balance ($2,030.00) to the graphic artist that will be wrapping the decal on your car via Money Gram.
They also will be responsible in removing the decal when the program is completed.
Below is the name of the receiver. You are to get back to me with the transfer information (8 digits Money Gram Reference) Number and the exact amount sent). You are to deduct the transfer charges ($180.00) from the $2,030.00 you have with you.
Below is the Graphic Artist Money Gram Details to send the Money to in Minutes
PAYMENT INFO
Name: Constance H Lawson
City: Saint Johnsbury
State: Vermont
Zip code: 05819Kindly get back with the information below once the transfer has been completed.
Money Gram Reference Number# & Total Amount Sent
FAQ: Why am I sending money to Vermont? The head office the graphic artist is VT, As soon as payment is acknowledge by them, a local artist will come to your house and install the decal wrap on your car. Let me know as soon as the check is deposited.
If you require additional information, do not hesitate to email me or call me.
Best Regards
George Jennings.
951-234-7388
Hiring Manager.
And here’s the fake check:
I’m seeing at least one common theme between the NOS and ROCKSTAR Energy Drink scammers. First of all, the car wrap “sponsors” are both clothing shops, BOP (of Madison, WI) and Madison et Cie (of Los Angeles, CA). What a clothing shop has to do with an energy drink, I haven’t a clue.
I also think that the NOS scam artists are far more sloppy than the ROCKSTAR Energy Drink scam artists; why would an LA-based shop sponsor a car in Madison? Unless that shop was picked only because it has the name “Madison” in it- did the scammers think I wouldn’t notice the location of this “Madison”-based shop?
Update as of October 15, 2013:
So, apparently, I don’t have to be scammed for $1,850 ($2,030 – $180 for wire transfer charges). I can also be scammed for just…get ready for it…$1,000!
Hello Applicant,
You are receiving this email because you applied for car wrap job. We are please to inform you that your application has been processed. Payment has been sent and delivered which include your 1st week payment and funds for the graphic artist. We will like to have an update from you if you have been able to forward fund to your matched graphic artist head office. If yes, provide the transfer info and If you are yet to receive payment from us, please let us know so we can process your application immediately. We look forward to your swift response.
Regards
George Jennings
My reply (including all broken grammar and misspellings): Thank you for email. My bank deposited the check but tell me I will receive back only one thousand dollars from thsi check. I don’t understand why.
George Jennings: Why is that? What did the bank say?
My reply: The bank is saying that the IRS is going to garnish my check as wages. I’m supposed to send them a W-9 from NOS too. Can you send a W-9 for these wages?
George Jennings: All the necessary document will be presented to you before the installation. Kindly proceed to send the $1000 via Western union to Constance to enable us book the installation appointment and the graphic artist will bring the W-9 with him. I will be expecting the Western union details.
Update as of October 18, 2013:
My saga with George Jennings continues:
Me: What about the $200 wire transfer charge?
GJ: The transfer charges should be deducted from the $1000. Kindly try and get this done today so the appointment can be booked.
Me: I sent a check this afternoon to the graphic artist. Thanks!
GJ: To who? You are to make a western union transfer to the details that was sent to you. Not send a check besides no address was provided to you.
Me: To Constance H. Lawson. She lives on Railroad St. in Saint Johnsburg, VT. It was much cheaper for me to just send a check.
GJ: Call it back.
Me: I already sent the check to her, but I can call her phone number and let her know not to cash the check. Or, should I send payment to the following address: PO Box 4125 Saint Johnsbury, VT 05819-4125
At this point, George stopped answering my emails. Too bad…
The Bottom Line: Avoid Car Wrap Job Offers
At best, responding to these scammers will waste your time. At worst, it could cost you thousands of dollars, financial ruin, and get you in trouble with the authorities.
Avoid any offered car wrap jobs, ignore the people behind them, and always do your research.
However, since you’re here reading this, you’re no doubt interested in finding new ways to make some extra money.
Recommended Resources
- Get Paid to Drive
- Secret Shopper Jobs
- Virtual Assistant Jobs
- Legitimate Work from Home Jobs
- Side Hustles That Make Money
- Online Business Ideas
- 20 Ways to Make Money with Your Phone
I hope this post helped you avoid a scam and find a legitimate opportunity to pursue.
Please leave a comment below if you’ve ever had a run-in with one of these scammers. Every comment helps!
I received a similar type of Promo using Bud Light Bud Light from a Terry Williams in California check was out of a porta potty place in Florida and was asked to deposit the check $2550 and proceed to buy for particular type gift cards and send them to this person picturesAnd then they would send someone to my house to install the wrap
I’ve responded to a web ad for bodyarmor too. Got a txt with tracking FedEx info. Sure enough envelope arrived with ck for $1975. I’ve had a round of txt messages from the person sending the FedEx tracking info… henceforth I did some research on this cash for wraps. Additionally I informed the txt recipient that I ride a bicycle previously in my online application for this contract. Txt recipient replied “Sorry about the mix up” and “I just re-check it now”. No response after that about the issue that I ride a bicycle, just persistent queries about the ck to be deposited…. lol I queried the txt recipient “What does the Specialist do? What supplies will be purchased? What is insurance for?”. Needless to say any further txt conversations continued to be suspicious. As I further searched web for scams of this nature. I found this one informative thank you.
I just really received an offer from “BudLight” to drive around with their decal. Same deal but my offer came via text message with a link!
well it 8/25/20 and i got my notice today. the first thing was to google it and it said it was not a secured site that right there let me know it was spam. then i read your story. so happy i did fall for it. and thank you for for your story, just hope more people would do some checking on the spammer to see who they really are. got to be one up on them. it’s a shame that so many are looking for jobs to earn that extra cash , and fall for that scam.
thank you for the site and for helping me not to get ripped off!
I got one of those emails also, so I filled it out, knowing it was possibly a scam and then they texted me saying your approved look in the mail for the check to arrive. Then he was texting me, I just got notified the check has been delivered to your mail box, text me as soon as you can RED FLAG then he asks to either deposit it in your bank, or by a mobile bank app or any ATM and text him with a receipt RED FLAG you cant just deposit a check in any ATM, first of all the check was way to thin and I noticed the amount had cents why? RED FLAG then he keeps texting. So I looked up the bank and it shows on line its legit, then I call it and a girl answers the phone and says everyone’s gone home early and they do not verify merchant accounts at this branch. I asked if there is someone I can call tomorrow and talk to them and she gave me a number and said they don’t verify checks and I said well most banks do? I got the number and hung up and called it and it just kept ringing and ringing then I looked up the persons name (company) name on the check and on line it shows there address and name of business but that doesn’t mean it is legit? So then I preceded to text the guy and tell him that I will deposit it first thing in the morning and if I could get his website info to let my girlfriend and neighbor know because they want to take advantage of this opportunity (NOT) he says I will provide it later and text me with a copy of the receipt showing the deposit (pushy) RED FLAG then wants to know when I am available to have the wrap guy come and wrap the car? In the mean time I reported it to the FTC and my son is a police officer so I am going to talk to him tonight. I too am stahling in case they want to meet up with these guys collecting the money and bust there little scam! It is terrible to think of all the people that are not wise enough to know any better and get taken advantage of, they should throw the book at them and make them pay back the victims 3x the amount, if not more! DON’T FALL FOR IT and another thing to mention they have very poor grammar skills in their correspondence letter. The name: Michael Tomaine HR Manager Consultant for Bud Light Drink but he spells it BUDLIGHT. RED FLAG
hello i am deaf here need ur help i receive mail odd today out of no where how from frito-lays auto wrap campaign program color blue check 3950.85 out to me and 500 week pay dont know if it real or fake check help me out asap thank you.
It is 100% fake and should be ripped up, thrown out, or set on fire. Whichever way you prefer to dispose of it really.
If you ever receive a check especially such as these look really closely at it. On the back of a check it gives 13 security features to look for to make sure it is infact legitimate. It says if the check has been duplicated the word “VOID” will be written all over the check. You have to look very closely and maybe even angle it towards the light. Maybe get a magnifying glass to help. My sister got one of these in the mail and sure enough in letters that resemble pixelation was the word void in several places on the legitimate looking check.
IF THIS DECAL IS SO EASY TO INSTALL, WHY NOT DO IT LOCALLY? AND WHYEVER WOULD THINK TO SEND MONEY (COMPLETE PAYM’T ) BEFORE SERVICE IS RENDERED?
THINK ABOUT IT.
I received the advertisement and couldn’t understand how it could be a scam. Thank you for enlightening me. I lost $350.00 recently on a make money through posting emails. The ad said money back guarantee and obviously I was unable to contact them to return my money. I am retired and that was a fortune. They even tried to talk me into investing another $2,000.00 which I declined to do. My husband had warned me but I went ahead. I have never told him about the lost money. I do, however, listen to him now.
Today’s company is Starbucks, usually I dont Fall for this shit but ended up filling out their “app” this was via text that sent me to a “website” advertising word press and I found One grammatical error (which should have sent red flags). I don’t Understand how their checks even clear the bank, but if I get One, it will be set afire.
They really screwed up with me because I am a Criminal Fraud Investigator, licensed in my state. I immediately recognized the scam and contacted the FBI. The letter was poorly written. The email stated I would earn $500 weekly. The beginning of the letter said $300 weekly and by the mid of the letter it was $500 weekly. The name on the letter, Kelvin Drake was typed “Kelvin drake.” The name and address on the upper left of the check was traced back to an 80-year old woman in NV. The check was signed by a man’s name. The mailing address on the envelop was sent by Fedex from an address in MI and the area code for Kelvin was in MA. This was for Dr. Pepper. Also, note that most car wrap companies only charges upwards of $750 to wrap a vehicle in full and these turkeys are only asking for side panel logos. They sent me a check for $4,700. Also, legitimate companies will send a payment directly to the car wrap companies and it wouldnt be several thousand per customer. This is an old Nigerian and Canadian scam from 20-years ago. No doubt, they are on the rise again with the Covod-19 pandemic of unemployment rates and desperate Americans.
Wow my sister got that exact same letter a week or so ago. How do I report it? Send the checks and letter to the FBI? Thankfully we recognized it was a fake and never deposited them.
I just received the check and advertisement opportunity and everything just happened I deposited the check took out my share waiting for their share to clear and I just got noted from the bank today that my banking account is negative $2,500 and that I am responsible it was an ad from dr. Pepper and yes I’m definitely scammed and what can I do about it the guy on the other end will not take any phone calls just texts can anyone help
Do you have the contact, i can help you report them
1 of 3
FRM:MC CAFE LOGO ADVERTISEMENT
MSG:Happy Sunday to you,i don’t know if you received our previously message
regarding the logo sign we
(Con’t) 2 of 3
want place on your vehicle..Your upfront payment
of $500 plus extra $50 for your gas will be mail to you tomorrow
morning..We need your
(Con’t) 3 of 3
FULL NAME & FULL ADDRESS so that we can work on it
tomorrow.Thanks.(End)
I recieved this text today
Disani drinks i believe are in the middle of scamming me. Wanting personal info wanting my s.security #
Thank You for this info. I would hope everyone would read this. I just recently got a text message saying I can make extra income driving around with a McCafe Logo on my car. I had already sent my info then I decided to look it up that’s when I found this. I knew that it was probably going to be fake. It is always sounding to good to be true. Although there are people out there that wouldn’t have the knowledge about it and get scammed, that is so sad. I’m glad that you put this info out. Thank You.
First of all THANK YOU . You just saved me $2,490.00!! A couple of weeks ago I got Hay want to make $400.00 a week and so on, I replied yes along with the make of car and my address . Shortly after I received a text to verify my info and that I would be receiving the up front payment also I may receive a check from one of there sponsors ???NEVER replied back I got a couple more asking for the info and still didn’t reply. So when two days ago I get this USPS Priority 3 day large envelope containing ONLY a $2,490.00 check well I got excited but confused because I had no clue why BELLE ISLE CONSERVANCY would be sending me money and it couldn’t be from Mccafe I never confirmed anything. So I decided to look for the Mccafe car wrap and that is how I found you the check and envelope are from two different people in to different states . SoCash check and have fun no I’m only kidding but really what sould I do ?? , Sincerely Bernice.
yesterday i received a check for $3790.00 – i got a blue check, not a green one – after responding to an online ad to drive around with an advertising sticker for Dr Pepper/Snapple in the window of my car. the check came next-day air ups with an instructional letter- not terribly well written- from “matthew rice payment secure manager (car decal adteam) dr pepper snapple drink (201)897-2524. the check was written from a Disabled American Veterans checking account and the letter that came with it was almost identical to the letters ive seen written to others commenting here. disabled vets are very important to me- im even going to school in order to work with them, so i contacted their office and spoke with the man who supposedly signed the check, who informed me that he had been hacked and it was a fraud. this infuriated me that they were involving our vets in this, and i would LOVE to see these scammers get popped. is there any way to do this? im awfully glad i didnt deposit the check- i found it odd that they were going to pay me $500.00/wk PLUS an additional $200.00/wk for gas, and that the installation “expert” was going to get over $3k to put a 6″×9″ sticker on the window of my truck. i texted “matthew” and asked about this and he told me i should read the directions again and i told him i had- that im a copy editor and read things all day long and that it wasnt very well written. hey, two can play, right?
I got a text that i been qualified for car wrap advertisment… And also just got a check in the mail for 8x more than what they are to pay me per week… A advertisment Agent from busch beer keeps texting me to confirm the check has arrived and to follow the instructions include….. I really kinda want to deposit it to withdraw and keep it to get a few very important things done….but …..
I received a check for 2773.85 from auto wrap campaign manager for Frito lay. 500 is for my first week salary the rest goes to wrap installer. They told me to deposit and then wait for instructions. Haven’t received any thing.
DO NOT deposit anything that you receive from them.
Where was all this last week when k looked it up, I was scammed, now about to lose everything, I work part time thought it was going go be a good second job. Now
I’m dead.
I received an email from someone claiming to be from Amp for car wrapping. I received a text message from 720.623.3534 claiming to be the decal company and the asking if I got the check yet. I got it today and it’s so obvious that it’s fake. The we’re offering $700 a week and sent me a check for $2950. They want me to deposit it and send the rest to the decal company. I tried to get confirmation from Amp directly but they won’t respond.
I just received an email for car wrap advertising for USGA from a Robert Willmont. $700/week + $50 gas.. I immediately started researching and thank God I found your blog. I don’t do anything without due diligence and research. And if something seems too good to be true, IT IS. I would love to scam this dude back.
*Please do not sell my info
A number text me on my phone I did not receive an email it was on a text through my phone saying that I can use my vehicle and put a monster energy drink logo on my vehicle then I could make 3900 and $50 and pay them 500. Seem a little fishy to me I asked my husband about it and he checked and it was a scam I posted it on Facebook do not fall for it it is a scam I was not going to fall for it cuz I thought to myself this does sound a little fishy so I did not fall for it there are a lot of people out there that will fall for it you think before you do anything do not fall for scams if it’s too good to be true that it is and it was too good to be true no one’s just going to hand you over almost $4,000 do not fall for it people
I’m up in Huntsville, Ontario and I just got the same type of email from a Martin Rudy offering $350. a week, etc. Thank you for the info about these criminals!
I just received an email from Paid to drive concepts for Blue Bell Ice Cream. Hiring manager Duong Anaya. He said they out sourced the payment of funds to another agency so not to be alarmed buy the payment not coming from Blue Bell the graphic designer is Herme’s perfume an cologne.i guess the decal will smell real good lol. My first 2 weeks payment had been approved with installers payment watch for check coming ups. (417)262-6729. I’m going to love throwing a d- – k in there lunch box. Thanks for the information I had a funny feeling when the ad I applied for was different an the perfume an cologne place also has a garage an decal shop probably sells carpets an discount smokes too.
Received this email recently. Saw that a large number of people using a gmail account were hit up on the same email. Glad I checked and that you had important and relevant information! Below is a copy of the message (I removed the email addresses as they looked like real addresses):
DIST DASANI 957136
Inbox
x
Derrick Banister
Feb 16, 2020, 9:46 AM (2 days ago)
to
94585937
DASANI WATER would like to paste our WATER logo on your vehicle while you receive 300 bucks weekly while you do that.
Are you interested?
345783728
I’ve recently been contacted thru text message it was a link saying it was for mt dew energy drink $500 a week I found your post and well the details are the same exactly. I’ve been searching for work i did a small application which was name address age gender and email darn I thought I found something easy and quick to help me and my kids. Thanks for your post
I got a check for $2300+ issued by a School District out of California. I called to verify the check legitimacy and was told the check was a fake. I then sent an email to bryan@autowrapmarketer.com to confirm that I got sent the right check for an advertisement and he confirmed it was the school district. I since then shredded the check and the instruction, gotten a reminder from him and now just got another email to tell me that they are cancelling my contract and threatened me with a legal action. What a nerve!. I emailed him back that I know the check is fake and if he keeps on emailing me, I will be forced to file a complaint with the Attorney General and FCC. Let’s see what he does next.
Expect a few more threatening messages. There’s nothing they can do to you. Ignore them, delete them, and move on.
Got the same message for Mtn Dew and $500/wk.
Estimated wrap expenses is $2,950.00 (includes cost for installation, removal and logistic). From Mark Joseph.
TAB ENERGY DRINK WRAP CAR SCAM. Offered 400.00 week to advertise tab energy drink 3 mths. Would send money by mail. I contacted Coke corporate office thinking it is a scam ….. They confirmed. It was even listed in job sites …… The number they are contacting me from is 805-285-3441. Turn them into officials. They are crooks …..
I was contacted several weeks ago. They told me I would be Advertising for cricket wireless by putting something I take it a wrap or sign on my car , they said just ride around and advertise for $500 a week. They send me a check for 2000 and I acted like I deposited it to see what they would say, they told me to wait till it clears and then I will keep my 500 dollars and send the rest to someone else. Now say one tries it and lets it clear before doing anything, not much can go wrong right ? This guy is being very patient until it clears which seems odd to me if it’s not going to clear. It’s been a week and I am still texting him saying not cleared yet and he said ok some funds are cleared and I said yes but I’m not doing anything until all money is available and he said ok. What other game could he be running ?
DO NOT deposit the check, ever. The funds will be made available to you and the check may even “clear” for a short while, but there is a 100% guarantee that the bank will eventually catch the check as fake and you will be solely responsible for paying back 100% of the funds, plus they will tack on extra fees for depositing bad checks, plus any overdraft fees if you account goes negative.
Banks can reverse checks weeks, or even MONTHS, after it supposedly clear. Make no mistake, the check you received is fraudulent and that money does not exist.
I got a check for 3,598.76 yesterday and it is a cashiers check says the purchaser name is Brandi Dennis and than at the bottom of the check it is signed by Jordan McCarthy. The check is written on Bank of COUSHATTA and the address on the check for the bank is a P.O. Box In Louisiana. It was for a car wrap by SPEED DEMON. I was supposed to get 500 a week and the rest went to the installer but they havent said that i have to send money to someone yet they have only said the minimum at this point.
DO NOT DEPOSIT THE CHECK! The absolute *best* case scenario is that you get hit with a fee from the bank for a bounced check. Worse case scenarios include losing thousands of dollars and having your identity stolen.
I Received one as well and my mind went to scam so I contacted the bank it was written off and they informed me that yes this is a scam and do not cash this check but to fax them a copy and inform my post office of the scam which they are aware of this scam .
Just received text approved your blue moon car advertisement . hiring manager John carry . Didn’t reply find your web site thank you.
I recently receive a check 2900,supposed to keep 500 for first week pay.Send confirmation, them they send someone out to wrap my car. Then i receive 500 a week. 🤕
I was also text by Busch beers for car wrap and I have been also be text and email.
I literally just received a TEXT not an email 10 mins ago for car wrapping to advertise for VENMOK ENERGY DRINK- must be the international cousin company of VENOM ENERGY DRINK right??? and was asked to “kindly click the link belwo” .. I responded with “kindly, learn how to spell- your scam game is weak homie”
I recieved something like that last year and never applied to anything, did you apply or what
Thank you for this information. I received a check for $4,980.00 with the same instructions as shared in your article. The scammer used the name of Sprangler Charles. phone: 209-330-0094, thedecalguru@gmx.us. The check was written by Global Wines Iowa LLC. I looked up the company and could tell right away this was not legit. The English in the letter was not grammatically correct which was a dead giveaway.
No pay out from me!!!
I just received a check for $2480.00 to deposit into my checking account for a car wrap
I keep $450, rest is to pay the wrapper.
My nephew received a similar check a couple of months ago., so I was aware it was probably a scam.
I told them I would get it cashed quicker at SunTrust which was the bank name on the check. Kenneth told me no, to deposit into my account.
I work hard for my money, so I can’t afford scams. It seems so simple and extra money. 🏃 🏃
I also recieved an email from someone wanting to wrap my car with Budweiser . But I had to fill out an actual application online not just type my info into an email. Did anyone else have an application ?
car decal advertisement ,just got a check for the amount of $2,950.00 and a letter says kindly read these guidelines and follow the instructions this is an instructions you will need to follow regarding your auto wrap campaign .A payment regarding is sent with this letter . please see guidelines bellow :1:payment of will delivered to you by a secure courier service (FedEx ,or USPS or ups ) 2:your first week salary is to be deducted from the total amount you receive .which is for you to keep . 3: as soon as you receive the check payment for your campaign ,go straight to your bank and deposit the check to your bank .you will need to ascertain from the bank when the fund will be available to you for withdrawal in 24 Hours 4: A copy of deposit receipt is needed to ascertain deposit and to give authorization to the issuing bank to release fund to your account .at the end of this letter is an email address and phone number to text your copy of your deposit . 5 : Also A deposit of your receipt received on the day of delivery attracts $200 Amazon gift card which will be sent with your second week salary .This is ongoing special offer .so, make sure once payment is received make a deposit and send a copy of deposit receipt for the approval of the Amazon gift card worth $200 .6: Usually ,checks deposited same day will clear withing 24 to 48 hours of deposit 7: Once check is cleared you will receiving further instructions from the accounting department by by email which will tell you which of the local installer you will be paying with the remaining balance on the check deposited .Money paid to the installers will enable them to set up an appointment with your on when to come and place the decal on your car .the money you will paying is for the installing and to uninstall . thank GOD i decide to search the internet i am safe
Received the exact same things as you have. Check delivered via Fed X and offered me to deduct 500.00 and deposit the check then contact at carwrapadvertisement3@gmail.com. and or call 530 358 2566. They even text me and told me it is a legit business and good check to deposit it tomorrow for the 200.00 bonus Amazon gift card. I’ll pass thank you
I’m now in possession of 2 checks for $2,400.00 each. To wrap my car for a well known family brand. I explained in text, that I do NOT have a checking nor a savings or banking account of any kind. They told me to open one so I could be paid!?! Can I be compensated and help take these people down? That sound naive but it IS Christmas and I’ve been told my sister is dying. This is not a joke to me! I needed the funds but not illegally gained ones!
Hey Anita-
Unfortunately nothing can be done because these guys mostly operate out of Internet cafes somewhere far overseas. The check isn’t real and the money isn’t real. The best thing to do is to rip up the check and stop communicating with them ASAP.
I just received a check for a car wrap mountain dew I was really hoping for it not to be a scap. What should I do.
Throw away the check and don’t communicate with the scammers at all. Do not try and cash it!
They sent me a check and have been harassing me to cash it…
DO NOT CASH IT. Absolute, best case scenario, you have to pay a fee for a bounced check. Worst, you lose your identity, banking info, get in trouble for depositing fake checks into your bank account etc.
Ridiculous! I received an email text just now advertising AMP Energy Drinks. I knew it was a scam but wanted to know how deep it was. I found out … it is very deep and dirty. I am a licensed social worker and a doctoral candidate; also I used to work for two different banks (Chemical now Chase as well as Citibank) along with NY DMV. The reason why I am writing this is that there is no free lunch. No something for nothing. I learned this a long time ago (am 55), and I watch my Alzheimer’s afflicted dad fall prey to this kind of mail/online garbage in the late 90’s. Terrible what scammers will do to people.
Just received today via text message an offer to pay me $500/mo. for 6 months to wrap my car to advertise Volo Energy Drinks. Glad I searched the Internet for Volo Energy Drink car wraps and read your article. Good work! Thanks, Jimmy
Whelp… I just received a check. I’m really glad that I noticed something was off and did some research before I went and deposited this check. It’s $500/week and the check was written for $1,972. They haven’t instructed to send money away after depositing yet. The check is issued from Fashion Cabinet Dental Plan with the CEO signature and name which I googled and it’s the right person. But it was UPS Next day air and showed up on my front door step from Newmont Elko Warehouse…
Should I be concerned that, whoever these people are, have my address?
Not really as there isn’t anything they can do. They all operate overseas anyway. As long as you didn’t give them anything like your banking information or social security number, you should be fine.
They’re texting this to people to now
mine was for Frito-Lay got my check today for 2948.00 by FedEx. Looked up return address. An attorney office in NY. Called attorney. Had me email him picture of check and Fed ex envelope. One can’t be too careful so I did create a new email. Sent me email back stating they will investigate and get back to me. Now after the fact I think what if the attorney’s office is in on it also? that’s what happens when you over analyze things LOL
Even though this is an old blog I am glad I found it. I received text message about AMP energy drink car wrap. I sent them my information because it sounded real. You always see people driving around with car wraps on their cars. 1 month later I received another text asking if my information was correct and please confirm. I did not confirm anything, because it sounded so fishy why do I need to confirm anything. Another week past recieved another text message, please confirm your information, signed with a fake name Mayfield Johnson. Since this names are often used my nigerian scammers I decided to do a Google search with that name and AMP energy drink. And glad I did. I would have never send them any money to begin with because I know about the check scam. But still glad didnt waste any of time on this scammers!! Hope people do their research before they send any money to this scammers.
I would like to report them to the authorities, anybody has an idea whats the best address or email to contact? And any knowledge of, if anything ever happens to this scammers?
Get a job like everybody else **holes!!
Here is the name and phone number of the scammer!
The fake name of the scammer is: Mayfield Johnson.
The phone number: 623 383 7260
Unfortunately, these scammers operate overseas and take steps to anonymize their identity online making it extremely hard to track them, let alone even think about prosecuting them. You’ve already done as much as you could by publishing their name and contact information here to help other people who Google their scammer.
Over the last week, my daughter had a scammer posing as a representative for Sweet treats ice cream wanting her to have a wrap on her car advertising their brand. They sent a check for $2575 and told her to cash the check and send them two money orders for 1000 each to a third-party and keep the rest as her first weeks payment. They claimed they were from San Diego area in California, but gave no actual address. All communications were through text messaging. A man claiming to be “Robert” used the number, 424-243-6242, for the messages. The real company is located in Conyers, Georgia and have a warning on the homepage of their website about scammers. I am going to the police tomorrow with all of the information in hopes of catching these bums!
Hello I’ve been contacted by a man name James from sweet treats ice cream they have been contacted me for a month now bout wrapping my vehicle told me last week a check was on its way so you saying this is a scam
They are still at it for the RockStar Energy drinks. Look out for Johnbryan037@gmail.com. He is advertising on social media apps for RockStar energy car wrap jobs. Says you will get paid $500.00 weekly. I did respond at first, but something did not sound right when he reached out to me. I started researching and found this site amongst others. Glad I did and I am glad so many people are telling their stories to help others avoid being scammed.
Me and my boyfriend both received texts and emails about a Bud Light wrap on our cars. He already received his check and it is with the currency exchange and I am waiting to receive mine so I can take it to the police department. Thanks
Was it from a TerryWilliams via budlite supposedly
I received one just today. check in the amount of 2200. So glad i did my research beforehand. That dumb son of a bitch “mr franco”. I sent him a text immediately after i stumbled across this, i told him I tried to cash the check at walmart where it was deemed fake by the cashier. I said the authorities have been contacted and i told him good luck in life and then i was like “run Mr franco run” lol and then he never responded back. Mr franco turned out to be a corndog(undercover weenie). lol
Received from on line sponsor
I almost fell for it. The check looks real too. Of course when I wrote and asked questions there was no response. Below is a direct copy of the email I received today with the check arriving today.
I’m happy to inform you that the start up check has been delivered to
you today via UPS today, The check payment covers your first week pay
and your gas bonus, kindly have the check deposited into your account
immediately you received it. The money should be instantly available
in your account or by mid-night.Deduct $500 + $50 for your gas for the
week making $550 for your self as your 1st week payment then get back
to me so that i can instruct you on how to send the Remaining Balance
$2,175 to the decal specialist. (installer of the decal). Then As
soon as the specialist (installer) received the payment he will be
coming to wrap your car and also remove it when the advert period
ends. Your XEROX CORPORATION® car advert Program ID # is
“HADCAD/0G43657”. You should make this available to the installer on
his arrival at your location.
I received these e-mails also. I was really interested as I was looking for a way to supplement my income. I received the check today in the amount of $2998.45. I notified them that I had received the check, I was supposed to deposit the check into my bank account, keep 300. for myself plus an extra 100. for expenses and await instructions on who to send the rest of the money too via Walmart’s money gram service, but as of 9:00 tonight I haven’t heard from them. I even messaged them that I was worried that it could be a scam, but I was really needing the money. It was to be $300.00 a week for 6 months with an option to extend it for 6 more months. I even called the bank on the check itself and asked them if it was legit, she said it sounded like it was but didn’t know about the company involved, she also told me that it was probably a scam. She couldn’t actually verify the check was good. The check only had South State Bank, of Charleston, S.C. 29406 on it. It did look real but I am not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. I am really not that gullible, I wanted it to be true but I knew better. It was just too unbelievable to be true. So here I am writing this message on this site I found when I researched for this scam, and I do mean SCAM. So if there are any more people out there that are receiving a Vehicle Wrap by Viking Water, DON’T do it. That old adage “if it sounds fishy, and smells fishy, throw it away. I thank you for listening to me, I hope I have helped someone. It is a shame that in this technological age that we CAN’T trust anything and mostly everyone on these computers. Thanks again for listening. Beware of anything that sounds FISHY.
You just saved yourself from a $3,000+ headache. Good thing you took time to research it before making any moves.
Oct. 2019..they will never stop trying. But now its $5076.00!!! Good thing my “mama didnt faise no fool!” If it sounds too good to be true…….
I recieved one claiming to be from Budweiser drink brand and talked it over with my husband and signed him up for it beings our vehicle is in his name, thanks for the heads up! When his check comes in the mail next week it’ll go straight to the authorities and they can figure it out.