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!
You can do something. Bait them! I have gotten some useful information from some scammers. Email me to know more!
I got a email from these jerks, and didn’t realize it was a scam until I went to bank and tried cashing. Wish I knew where to find these jerks.
my wrap was for rockstar energy drink. I was to receive 400.00 dollars a week.the people involved are as follows:
mgoncalves@asae.pt
Jason Comfield jason_comfield@aol.com +1(626)385-7106
Richard Columbini +1(503)470-7523
and than I don’t no how this person got my number but this person tried to warn me the next day ( a little to late) that Jason and Richard are the same person and the check is a fake. there number showed up as +1(256)432-7541.
Wish we could do something to these jerks that do all the scams
Wow. this scam has been around for awhile. had no idea. just received my email today:
“RE: Monster Energy Drink Tom Coyne (j_dejonge31@hotmail.com)
Sent: Thu 1/08/15 2:26 AM
To:
Would you wrap your car for $300 weekly? Reply YES if interested”
thanks for putting this site together! it was the #1 result from a google search.
Got checks too. Taco Bell gets me a better wrap than the artist so I gave it to them instead. I hope you don’t mind.
I received one of these “car wrap” emails today, claiming to be from “Advert” and wanting me to advertise BUD LIGHT on my car. I replied letting them know that I am totally interested. When I get any info out of them, what do I do with it? I want these bastards caught. This is redonkulous!!!
The most unfortunate part of this scam is that desperate families are actually cashing the “BOGUS” checks sent to them and not doing any research on the internet to verify the “CAR WRAP” business. These creeps are “STILL IN BUSINESS” scamming people in the United State, Canada, and the U.K.
Why the FBI, POST OFFICE, and INTERNET FRAUD offices aren’t more involved is a mystery. Every computer in the world has a specific “ADDRESS” (NODE). Every cell phone/land line in the world can be tracked. I assume there isn’t enough fall-out (number of people actually falling for this scam) for them to get serious about it. The other reason is that they just aren’t getting enough complaints to authorize a full scale investigation into this scam. If you are contacted by this scam (car wrap) please notify the authorities through the internet. More complaints might get them motivated. Try to “GOOGLE” these sites and voice your concerns/complaints.
1. http://www.ic3.gov/complaint
2. FBI — The Internet Crime Complaint Center
3. Mail Fraud – United States Postal Inspection Service
It’s amazing the amount of work they put into this. Imagine how much they’d make if they actually worked on working!
I just got the same scam only my check is from a college a real account and all these people have no sham
Just received check! Thanks goodness I checked this out.
This is the email I received.
Hello Karen,
How are you today..,information reaching me now has it that you will
be receiving your 1st package of your first upfront payment for the
car wrap offer today. The Check of $2250 has been sent to you via USPS
with tracking number (9405501699320037542927) and it will be
delivered to you on (Expected Delivery Day: Monday, December 22, 2014).
(track here: https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction?tLabels).
After receiving the payment, you will have it processed at your bank
via ATM deposit. For the payment activation to take effect or get it
cashed at any check cashing place around you. This is part of the
security measures done by our account department that sent the payment
out to you for the safety of the payment.
After that, you are to take the cash out and deduct $300 which is your
upfront payment for the first week of the car wrap offer and you have
$1950 left . So i want you to purchase a Green Dot MoneyPak reload
voucher of $1900 from any Kroger/Walgreen’s stores or any store where
you can purchase MoneyPak around you and have the 14 numbers of the
purchased MoneyPak emailed to me and use the rest $50 as the Moneypak
charges purchased. You are required to send $1900 of the 14 digits
number of the purchased Green Dot MoneyPak to me for the graphic
artist that will be wrapping the decal on your vehicle and they will
be responsible for removing the decal when the program is completed.
The 14 numbers of the purchased MoneyPak is meant for the graphic
artist and as soon as payment is acknowledged by the graphic artist, a
local person will contact you if you want them to come to your house
and install the decal wrap on your car.
If you require additional information, do not hesitate to email me.
Acknowledge receipt of this email immediately and looking forward to
your mail with further updates.
Best Regards,
Michael Williams
(708) 310-6513
Hiring Manager,
Red Bull® Energy Drinks
I’m hoping no one else gets scammed. I guess I will be tearing the check up, would have been nice being its the holidays and all.
I got one from same person but for PEPSI COLA!!
They are everywhere!
Tracy Rees
8:58 AM (36 minutes ago)
to
PILSNER URQUEL BEER would like to paste our ad on your lovely vehicle while we pay you $300 every week for that.
Reply if you are interested
MATT,
I work for an agency with L&F distributors and I know that they don’t do that. Lol. I’m keeping the check i received today just to make me feel like I really have that money jaja
From: ponteku@paytodrive.com
Reply-to: daniel_prices@aim.com
To: ponteku@paytodrive.com
Sent: 12/13/2014 2:40:26 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: Samsung car wrap logo advert
Hi Get $350 weekly for driving around with Samsung car wrap logo advert company on your car or truck.
If you are interested please send your information to daniel_prices@aim.com with your
=============
FULL NAME:
ADDRESS:
STATE:
CITY:
ZIP CODE:
PHONE NUMBER:
============
THANKS
Daniel Price
Thanks for posting! I thought legit until today they emailed me from a new address. I figured using AOL and Gmail addresses might be a scam so I Google and found this. I guess a check is on the way to me to wrap in budweiser… lol
As much as I would like to trick them, I’m not good at it jaja. But they are still texting me. They have yet to email me. The guy said the specialist was a guy then he mentioned “she” would be doing the wrap on my car….it doesn’t add up. Thank goodness I looked it up and found this website. What should I do? Of course I will not cash or deposit the check. The USPS tracking number they gave me said it arrived on Tuesday but on Tuesday they told me some delay happened but will arrive this Friday, so then why ask if I received it knowing they told me until Friday….to good to be true especially with the holidays around the corner.
I am glad I found this because I saw an ad on Craigslist similar to the one some of you all have seen. They are not requesting me to wire the money anywhere. I am still skeptical because I received one text from one area code and another text from a different area code. The check if I’m not mistaken is from Puerto Rico. Like how absurd is this….
I bait these scammers and trick them into giving me bank account information them I email it to someone else who I have contact with and it gets monitored for money. Also, don’t try to get these scammers to send counterfeit checks out if you are only wanting them to pay for shipping. They don’t pay for shipping MOST OF THE TIME! They hack into FedEx and UPS accounts to ship them. Sometimes they will hack into someone’s stamp.com account to use USPS. Sometimes they will create a FedEx account under a business’s name and address or a person’s name and address. I guess they use stolen credit cards or a money mule or victim mule will use his or her own credit card. Only have them send fake checks for baiting and try to use a fake address.
THE NOS ENERGY DRINK CAR WRAP SCAM 12-09-2014
PLEASE! READ THE WHOLE THING THIS IS PAYBACK TO THE
SCAMMERS!
The check payment of $1,990.00 has been sent to you via USPS with the Tracking Number (9405512699350050193857) and it will be delivered to you this morning. Please proceed to deposit the check into your bank account so funds will be verified and made available for withdrawal 24 hrs after it has been deposited. We will awaiting a confirmation message immediately the check is deposited. As soon as the cash is available, you are to deduct $300.00 which is your upfront payment and forward the balance ($1,690.00) to the graphic artist that will be wrapping the decal on your car via WESTERN UNION available at any Walmart store close to you. The same graphic artist will also be responsible for removing the decal when the program is completed after the 12 week period
You are to get back to us with the transfer information ( 10 DIGIT MTCN Number and the exact amount sent). You are to deduct the transfer charges ($150.00) from the $1,690 and have the Total of $1,540.00 sent to the Graphic Artist
Below is the Graphic Artist’s Details to send the Money
to in Minutes Via WESTERN UNION MONEY Transfer
Send $1540 TO THE GRAPHIC ARTIST’S INFORMATION BELOW
Name- NICHOLAS WILLIAMS
City- RANDOLPH
State: MA
Zip Code:02368
Kindly get back with the information below once the transfer has been completed so we can immediately commence booking and have a local graphic artist to visit your residence or convenient location to have the wrap installed.
10 DIGIT WESTERN UNION Number# & Total Amount Sent
FAQ: Why am I sending money to MA ? The head office of the graphic artist is in MA , 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,
Jamie Hanks
909-978-9022
Hiring Manager.
4 older messages
ME:
3:30 PM (1 hour ago)
Hello there…..Good news!…they went ahead and cashed the check and gave me the funds.
Jamie Hanks:
3:39 PM (1 hour ago)
to me:
Please have the payment sent to the graphic artist as requested
ME:
4:33 PM (47 minutes ago)
to Jamie:
I was wondering if it would just be better to pay the graphic artist right here in Abilene and they can send you proof that it was done and I wouldn’t have to wait for anyone…I talked to them and they said they would be glad to do it for the $1540.00 I would feel more comfortable letting them do it right here in town and then all you all have to do is just send me my $300 a week because they are willing to come to my house right now and put it on we have the same company that do it right here so it shouldn’t be a problem since you all work for the same company.
Jamie Hanks:
4:03 PM (1 hour ago)
to me:
When will you be having the payment sent to the graphic artist ? We await your response .
ME:
4:45 PM (34 minutes ago)
to Jamie:
I need an answer before 5:30 my time
Jamie Hanks
4:46 PM (34 minutes ago)
to me:
Thank you for the feed back , unfortunately we have our guaranteed graphic artist which we use for all our works and will not be responsible for any damages caused by the type of decal used by your artist , We have had experiences in the past and have since only used our graphic artist to make sure both parties are satisfied and don’t go into conflict . We will advise that payment should be sent as instructed to avoid cancellation of the initial payment and also your application to make the wages weekly . We advised that you have the payment sent via western union or Money gram and get back to us with your availability so we can immediately make a booking for the graphic artist to visit you at your residence or convenient location to have the wrap installed. Please give us a feed back .
Regards,
Jamie Hanks
Jamie Hanks
4:48 PM (32 minutes ago)
to me:
We are sorry but we can not advise you to proceed with your own graphic artist as this is not how we operate . Kindly have the payment sent as instructed to avoid cancellation of the whole process. Thank you and we look forward to working with you .
me:
4:50 PM (29 minutes ago)
to Jamie:
ok I’ll send it tomorrow through western union at exactly 3:00pm my time with the confirmation number and the password will be graphic that you will have to write down in order to receive the money
Jamie Hanks
4:55 PM (24 minutes ago)
to me:
You can have the payment sent via western union or money gram , available at any Walmart store close to you . We will appreciate if the payment can be sent to the graphic artist today to avoid any delay with the installation of the wrap and any set backs with your subsequent weekly payment . We endeavour to make all booking for applicant in your batch today and we will appreciate if the payment is made and your booking can be taken care of on our end . Thank you
ME:
4:58 PM (22 minutes ago)
to Jamie:
Hey wait!….that women is outside my house from the bank with a NOS ENERGY driver and the police….Awwww!….sh*%!!!!!
I wonder what is going on 1 sec what should I do?
ME:
5:04 PM (16 minutes ago)
to Jamie:
Hey!!!…man they want a good number they can reach you at right now.
ME:
5:06 PM (14 minutes ago)
to Jamie:
don’t leave me hanging not in this situation please!…..you have to talk to them
Me:
5:07 PM (12 minutes ago)
to Jamie:
Jamie,Jamie,JAMIE please man come on they are right here.
Me:
5:08 PM (11 minutes ago)
to Jamie:
They also brung the check with them
Me:
5:11 PM (9 minutes ago)
to Jamie:
Hey man this is B.S it didn’t take you this long to answer a while ago man say something.
*AS YOU CAN SEE THIS IS CLEARLY A SCAM!….THERE WAS NOT ANOTHER WORD FROM MR.JAMIE
I DON’T ADVISE PEOPLE TO DO AS I DID,BUT I FELT THEY HAD THIS COMING TO THEM.*
PLEASE!…DON’T FALL FOR THE NOS ENERGY,RED BULL,OR ANY OTHER CAR WRAP SCAM.
PEACE!…OH!…YEAH!…I Tore the check up!…that I recieved.
From: Paul Allyson
Date: Dec 9, 2014 12:57 PM
Subject: Budweiser Bud Light Ad Campaign
To: nanditaa_2000@yahoo.com
Cc:
Hello,
Wrap your car with Budweiser� Beer Advertisement Wrap and Get Paid…
It is Very Easy and Simple with No Application fees required. Here’s how It works – The basic premise of the “paid
to drive” concept Budweiser Select� Advertising seeks people — regular citizens, not professional drivers — to go
about their normal routine as they usually do, only with a big advert of “Budweiser Select� Beer ” plastered on
your car/truck.The adverts is 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.
What does the company get out of this type of ad strategy? Lots of exposure and awareness.The auto wraps tend to
be colorful and 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 and can’t avoid seeing the wrapped car alongside them.This program
will last for 3 months and the minimum period you can participate is 1 month.
You will be compensated with $350 (Three hundred fifty dollars per Week),which is essentially a “rental” payment for
letting our company use the space and we shall provide Experts that would handle the advert placing on your car.
Interested person should please feel Free to fill out the information below and send it back to us today and we
will get back to you with details.
Full Names:
Address Line 1:
Address Line 2:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Age:
Present Occupation:
Truck/Car Model:
Home Phone Number:
Cell / Mobile Phone Number
Best Regards,
Paul Allyson,
Hiring Manager,
Budweiser� Beer
I called the local police one of the scammers said he
would meet me and get the remaining money after my
$400.00 the Detective said he are his department could
not do any thing about it. he said it happens all the
time. just don’t cash the check. are you will be in Trouble.
Where can I forward copy of the hoax I was sent?
This is how I get back to them..if anytime any scam artist send a me any mail especially by DHL/FED Ex/UPS or Priority mail (all of the services cost more than $5 and if it is over night then it costs almost $20) I email or call them (there will certainly a number or email address to call) and tell them that I did not receive the package(it is always a package)and ask them to send it again. 99% time they will send the package again..I then call again after getting the 2nd mail If they already did not send it by over night..trust me the 3rd time they will over-night the package.
Thus I made them spend more than $30 dollars for me..and I am happy doing that..if enough people do this way trust me they will stop because who has so much money that he could spend $30 to $40 for nothing..? Evenatually they will stop sending me the “PACKAGE.”
Hahahahahaha…how do you guys like my idea..I have done this at least 20 times in last 5 years.
I got an e-mail for the car wrap.
They sent me to a web site to fill out an application.
Here is the site:
http://www.aljrehab.com/images/fullthrottle/forms.html
Email came from: Full ThrottleDrink (mssam45@hotmail.com)
Do people really think Do major business wants to advertised by wrapping up a private vehicle ? How long would this wrap be staying on this vehicle ? I seen these once in a while & all of them ends up getting deleted.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Are you familiar with the car wrap ad? Here is your chance to be part of Perrier
Sparkling Water car wrap ad to create awareness and make $450 or its equivalent
weekly by wrapping your car, truck.
This decal doesn’t damage your paint and this offer is open to Residents of the
United States, Canada and Europe for now.
Reply if Interested for details.
Tony Freeman
Perrier Sparkling Water®
http://www.perrier.com
This is the response I got from the Postal Inspector. If you make a complaint it actually does get entered into the National Complaint Registry. *** STOP SCAMS NOW ***
Thank you for contacting the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The information you provided has been entered into our national Fraud Complaint System. Your reference number is ######. If we need more information, you will be contacted directly. Please hold on to any original documents related to your complaint.
Please note that Postal Inspectors do not have the authority to ensure that your losses are refunded.
We may share the information you provided with other agencies when there is a possible violation within their jurisdiction.
In the future, if you have complaints about mail fraud or mail theft, you can visit our website, http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov, to file a complaint online.
United States Postal Inspection Service
This is a system-generated email message. Please do not reply to this message.
I’ve listed some of the scams that the Postal Inspectors have to deal with
Mail Fraud Schemes
Employment Fraud
Distributorship and Franchise Fraud
Phony Job Opportunities
Multi-Level Marketing Jobs (Pyramid Schemes)
Six-Cent and Other Short-Paid Postage
Postal Job Scams: Don’t Fall For a Con Game
Work-at-Home Schemes
Mystery Shopper Scam (text-only)
Financial Fraud
“900” Telephone Number Fraud
Advance-Fee Loan Schemes
Charity Fraud
Credit Card Fraud
Schemes that Charge Money for Services the Government Provides for Free
Cut-Rate Health Insurance Fraud
Investment Fraud (Ponzi Schemes)
Solicitations Disguised as Invoices
Oil and Gas Investment Fraud
Land Fraud
How Ponzi, a master scammer, met his match
Fraud Against Older Americans
Fraud Against Older Americans
Sweepstakes Advice for the Elderly
I’m beginning to think these people will never be caught, much less prosecuted. Our law enforcement – including the FBI – are so underfunded and undermanned, and the sociopathic community keeps growing.
This is information that I received via email concerning the car wrap scam that I foolishly got involved in.
I received the check through “Priority Mail”. The check is a fake (looks authentic) and I have given the Priority Mail container to the Post Office (the container is a fake – and committing a scam through the post office is mail fraud).
I gave the check to my bank so that their mail fraud department can track the check. I have also contacted the scam to the (1) FTC , (2) FBI, and (3) Postal Inspector through their websites.
I will post further info on this scam when it happens. I would really like to see these creeps in jail for defrauding the public.
Too many people have actually been taken in by this scam and now have to pay for their mistake.
They also texted me 4 times, but I didn’t respond to the texts
It should also be noted that the check that these low lifes send you WILL ACTUALLY CLEAR with your bank within 24 hours, but 2 weeks later when the check bounces you end up with a bill for the check, penalties, interest, and YOU are the one that is reported for committing a fraud.
HERE IS THE EMAIL *****************************
Hello Job Applicant,
Information reaching me today is that your first payment is on its way to your address. The check of $1,988.00 has been sent to you via USPS with tracking number (420990169405512699350049213160) and will be delivered to your address today.
Proceed and deposit the check into your bank account and funds will be available for withdrawal 24hrs after it has been deposited. Kindly send me 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 ($1,688.00) to the graphic artist that will be wrapping the decal on your vehicle via wire transfer and they will also be responsible for removing the decal when the program is completed. The wire transfer information will be emailed to you soon.
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 vehicle.
PS: Please send me an email or text message as soon as the check is deposited so that it can be processed from our bank.
If you require additional information, do not hesitate to email or call me.
Best regards,
Shawn Williams
Hiring Manager.
(715)-303-7775
Monster Energy Drink®
Just got one of these email scams on 11/8//14; said I was interested but decided to scope this out more, as it sounded too simple to make that much money that easily. I was correct, and I’m so grateful to everyone who contributed to this website, it saved me a ton of grief! It was, BTW, from Toms shoes, from a Joe Noland. I send him my information about my car but nothing other than make/year/color. I’m SO glad I decided to check into this further!!!! Shame on these scum bags!!!
Received an email same thing for a car wrap but for Pepsi this time, waiting for the check so I can send to the cyber fraud department I’m guessing and the attorney General in Texas
Unfortunately, someone/Sheri posted this message #106 which said that she provided information to the scammers that this site exits.
This is NOT a good idea. To let scammers know that there is a site that lists people’s grievances/experiences with scammers is just giving them a heads up for them to improve their scamming operation.
Sheri said: message #106
David Christian just showed up in my inbox for a car wrap offer as well. I wasn’t tempted, as I could tell it was a scam but googled it and came across this article. I responded to him by saying, “Hey look! Someone wrote an article about you… you’re famous!” and copied a link to this article.
I found this site to be an eye opener. It’s sad to see that some people were actually scammed by these scumbags. Unfortunately, the people that these dirtballs successfully scam are people with financial problems. I saved some of the better comments to word pad and stopped at 19 comments. I foolishly applied for the car wrap deal with “David Christian” for a “Monster car wrap”. I will post the details of his letter and check on this site when I get them in the mail. Well, Dave Christian, (whatever your real name is?) I plan to send your check and letter (via email) to— http://www.justice.gov/criminal/cybercrime/reporting.html after I scan it to my computer and then turn the check over to the post office. I’m grateful for this site and all the comments posted here.
Just read the best comment ever!! This entire conversation should be submitted as evidence that we have all been scammed by cons using Craigslist!
Time for the people at Craigslist to take some responsibility.
I live in the fort worth area and answered an ad on Craigslist for a johnnie walker car wrap. Received the check and luckily the day before it came I found this site. I called the bank that the traveler check came from (trustco in ny) and apparently they have been called many times lately. I was told to dispose of the check and do not cash it. Thank you for keeping us informed of this scam or else I would be in a mess!
Craig’s list should know this scam and not publish it, they should be accountable letting this go on.
just got one from david john morgan hiring manager from volt energy drink…still going on…his email address is carwrapsjob1@hotmail.com
just got one from burn energy drink
I received one of these emails claiming to be from Mike Wright of MillerCoors. After not finding any information on him through web search, I contacted MillerCoors company via the phone number listed on their official website to verify about the Auto Wrap email. This is the same scam as the others just with a different company name. Fortunately, the MillerCoors company now is informed as well. I am printing out the email and information to take to the County District Attorney.
Hello Tim: whatever you do DON’T use the money, as the bank is going to credit into your account (as being a thrust check), but after a few weeks the check will be declared FRAUDULENT and the bank is going to debit from your account and now you will owe the money to the bank!!! This guy’s are professionals and very well prepared to do the scam!!! Don’t try to be smarter than them, as they are prepared for everything you could thought on doing!!!
There is one going around for Red Rooster Energy Drink with a e-mail address of Reddrooster@outlook.com. I applied for it with my personal information and received a e-mail right back with a few hours sayin “Thank you for you swift response and had me give my vehicle information and mileage which I gave them. Waiting on the Fake check now (can’t wait to mess with them). I also told my brother and best friend about it and they to are waiting on their checks. Glad I ran into this website. I really needed the $$ right now to cause I have been on disability from getting hurt at work for the past 3 months…I guess it was just too good to be true. I think I’m gonna spread a bunch of $$ around my room and take a picture and tell them “thank you for the $$ bitches, Going to Vegas”. That should piss them off a bit.
I received my “car wrap” offer yesterday (11/04/2014) to promote Pepsi! I had that “it’s too good to be true so probably isn’t” feeling, but went ahead and filled out the info, took pictures of my car, and my most recent email to them asked two questions:
(1) What is the amount that the facilitator (the guy who puts the wrap on my car) is supposed to get?
(2) Why aren’t you paying him directly?
These were honest questions – until I read this blog. Now I hope to have some evil fun with these thieves…
I was curious about it but before they even called the check was in the mail and then i googled scam for decal and here i found this site thanks
my check came from
Dorsey Alston Realtors in atlanta
and priority mail but no return address they sent it out from Rite aid….
duh
this scam Is still going on. I have one that I was sure was legit until I saw the email about getting a check and then I had to pay the graphic artist. something fishy. so I did a search and found this. I plan to take to post office with all the info. Interestingly enough, I have received a 2nd offer same exact thing with a different energy drink.
thanks for spreading the word.
me
Shaun,
You can’t have my job! I’ve already been accepted. Yours is obviously a scam cause I got the real offer from Ted Bailey. As soon as he supplies his physical address, employee #,his supervisor’s name, address and phone #, we’re in business. Imagine $15,600.00 a year for just driving my car.
this is a money laundry scheme. The address of Madison is correct. recently the clothing business in LA has been raided by the feds for just this type of scheme.
Funny! Here it is, October 24, 2014, and I too received an email a few days ago from a Dan Miller, Hiring Manager for Monster.com asking if I would like to also wrap my vehicle for $300 a week. Odd because I never applied for a job and all the communications/letters are similar to the ones stated on this posts. Guess this scam hasn’t been busted as of yet!
GOT THIS TODAY… too funny
————–
Greetings and salutations from TOMS Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS.
Do you know?
There’s too much world to change to sit around making coffee. At TOMS, our interns are driven and integral members of the TOMS family who work their tails off until the day they leave and are forever changed. We are using this media to inquire if you would like to be part of our family and assist us by Creating awareness and run a world-class fiscal site to support our Online Dept by simply driving your vehicle advertising for TOMS and this will help organize life-changing Giving Trips and much more. You will be important, essential, and you will create change in your world you can point to when you’re done.
How It Works?
Since you are given a tremendous amount of responsibility, we take your application very seriously. We look for candidates who are passionate about the One for One movement. This is a program that will pay you $600 every 2 weeks and a $300 advance payment for accepting to be part of our mission.
TOMS Concept:
We seeks individual’s worldwide – regular citizens, professional drivers to go about their normal everyday routine as they usually do,only with a big advert for “TOMS” plastered on your car saying; ( One for One, For every pair you purchase, toms will give a pair of shoes to a child in need ).
The ads are typically vinyl decals that almost seem to be painted on the vehicle, and which will cover any portion of your car’s exterior surface.
By this strategy we will definitely achieve lots of exposure and much more because this form of advertising will captive audience, meaning people who are stuck in traffic can’t avoid seeing the wrapped car alongside them. This program will last for 6 months and the minimum you can participate is two months.
If interested,please send me the information’s below.
First Name:
Middle Name:
Last Name:
Physical Address and not P.O Box:
City:
State
Zip code:
Telephone numbers:
Occupation
Make of car/year and color:
No fee is required from you as TOMS will handle the advert placement on your car.
Kind Regards
Anthony Miller
Hiring Manager
TOMS, One for One®
—————————————–
wow, using a legit charity to get money, how sad…. i posted on my FB so people could watch out for it….
Haha. I got the email from Monster a few weeks ago. I told him I’d love to do it, but that I don’t drive my car that much because I’m mostly in my police cruiser. Of course, I’m not really a cop but, hey, he’s not an Energy drink exec either, so all’s fair.
Anyway, haven’t heard back from him since. I’m on pins and needles.
There is one going around from Frito-Lay. Same as the original email word for word. Doesn’t sending a forged check count as mail fraud?
I too was duped into this scam, but thankfully I found this website to read about the past scams. I only sent in the inquiry part and did not confirm the second email. I simply replied that I was not interested. Lets see what happens. I actually have lots of Law enforcement members in my family and will find this interesting. I think I am going to have a little fun with these clowns and get them busted.