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.
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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!
Lol…well, I saw this gimmick, but it was advertised in a local paper with a local number. Guess they’re trying a new tactic since you all seem to have busted them!!!
The newest scam is being posted on Facebook and it is for wrapping the car for Pepsi co! I went threw everything and when he (Mike shehl) texted me I responded with a “would you like to explain all about your scam?” And he has yet to respond! Thank you for the tip before I made a huge mistake!
I just got an email with the exact same template mentioned above:
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 Truck, SUV, SEDAN, are 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 USA and CANADA. How would you like to make money by simply driving your car or banner wrapped for Perrier® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water
How it works?
Here’s the basic premise of the “paid to drive” concept: Perrier® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water seek residents in the USA and Canada who drives to go about their normal routine as they usually do, only with a big advert for “Perrier® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water” 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 a little 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 20 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. Perrier® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water 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.
Upon receipt of your email response to proceed, we shall provide you with our car wrap agreement form will be made available to you to enable us proceed. Your swift response will be appreciated.
Best Regards,
Peter Palmer
Promotion Manager
Perrier® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water
——————————-
Perrier® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water
Email: info@perrierwaters.com
Tel: +44-793-743-1821
Fax: +44-700-606-2450
Should I play along? lol
I have informed FBI already … fun times!
I recently got the same scam for wrapping your veh. for 500.00 a week for iphone. Why cant the FBI stop this crap. Unbelievable !!! Did send in that I was interested, now they want more info…. Yeah Right.
Has anyone tried taking the check to a check cashing place and just cash it for the full amount, and walking away? I saw ads but looked it up before responding. Glad i did. I’m just curious if anyone has tried cashing, not depositing, the check, taking the full amount. Once its cashed they can’t do anything to your account, and the check is made out to you so its not fraud on your part. What would their argument be anyway, you scammed them before they could scam you?
Did you cash in the check??
Well, I wasn’t so lucky. Hoping to bring in some supplemental income for my family, I got scammed with a bogus TOMS car wrap ad. I love TOMS and thought it would be great to promote something I actually believed in. After depositing the check, waiting for it to clear, and wiring $1775 + $140 in wire fees, the a-holes placed a stop on the check and an additional $2500 was deducted from my acct. Now, I have to find a way to pay the bills with no money b/c they took everything I had and then some. I’m devastated and know I won’t be able to recoup the money but is there anyone out there with advice on what I can do to help stop these terrible people? Thanks for any advice anyone can provide.
Soooo i just fell for tjis scam. Didnt send all the money. Just found this, now i dont know what to do….do i go to my bank? What will the police do?
I just got an email from Steven Walls with email address of terawalls66@gmail.com. I responded with a ‘please provide specifics’ I had a strong feeling that it was bogus as I had a check sent to me once which I took to my bank and asked them to check its validity. Fake
I am waiting to hear from these guys ….. I will return with more info as it progresses ;-)
Craigslist ad today.
Told me to text a number and I received a reply with very bad spelling, but almost word for word. This one for NOS energy.
They wanted my home address and ALL my banking info. So maybe the cheque scam has moved to full identity theft?
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I found my close call on a job search.
Responded to an ad on Craigslist for ROCKSTAR car wrap, gave my email but glad I checked this site because I’ve tried these scams where I get a check in advance and it’s fake. We have to flag these scammers! Enough is enough. We look for work, not to get scammed…thanks everybody for confirming my suspicions!
I got one from Toms and when I replied interested, they sent me an email that said companies like Hennessy, Johnnie Walker, Pepsi, Coke plus they asked the above stated information…it’s believable that people could get caught up into this scam. Even though they didn’t ask for my social they did ask make and model of car as well as address…both those thing can be used for security questions so I told them I needed more information because I didn’t feel comfortable giving that out…haven’t heard from them since.
I got one from TOMS. And haven’t received the check yet. But I was told it will be coming this week. Should I notify the police or FBI ? I KNOW NOT to deposit it. Should I send it back to them ?
Yep. Twice i have been. Contacted, by “rockstar” and by “robust” energy drinks. Have 2 fat checks here, that i was wise enough NOT to put in my bank account…took to bank they were drawn on…was told by local police that if i wasnt taken axvantage of,meaning if i didnt put the $ in my account…nothing they could do. Rockstar office says, nothing they can do, blah blah…i was even threatened by the first one, which i find amusing. What i dont find amusing is that they have my address, e mail, and what type car i drive…no recourse, huh? Wow…
What did the police say they would have done if money had been put in account? I recenlty was a victkm, few days ago. Only sent $800 of it. Supposed to send rest tomo. But Now dont know what to do…help
I responded to this ad thinking wow what a great way to make some extra cash. Just drive my car around with a auto wrap decal on it. Easy. I sent them my info and was a week before they responded. By this time I was thinking long and hard about this auto wrap. So I decided not to respond to the second email. But low and behold their check came in the mail anyway. $1950.00. I checked out the tracking number they gave me and this check was insured for $50. How odd is that. Anyway I told them I got the check and they said for me to send western union or moneygram right away. I went to my local police department and they said it was considered mail fraud. So USPS investigations is sending me an envelope to send them all the stuff they sent me. I want to stop this scam if at all possible. Good thing I did my homework and found this site. I did call the return address from the envelope and they said they have been getting a lot of calls about this and they are no way affiliated with the auto wrap and told me to go to my local police station. The auto wrap people emailed me today asking why I haven’t sent the money out yet. Today is Tuesday and I got the check Saturday. I will not send them any money of mine. I’m sure you know they want you to send your money because they know that check is bogus. A$$holes
Craigslist July 2015. Glad I thought to do my “homework” before the check arrived. Another “too good to be true” load of crap SCAM. At least I’m smart enough to not give out any sensitive info like SSN or bank #s. I have saved all the texts and have a contact at the local FBI. Soon as the fake check arrives he will be hearing from me.
is diet dr. pepper auto wrap .. 300 dollars awk with 600 upfront in a check. is this a scam
i got one from some german beer company and just recieved another check for pepsi one wrap only difference is that this guy said i could go 2 walmart and cash check
Beware! Now Snickers is being used. Same exact MO.
SCAM!
Word for Word same scam I received. I have the check. If I was to report it..who would I report it to?
Thanks for the post I will be more aware of the to good to be true scam from Monster Energy Drink
Thanks for the Post. Going through this now…… Wow!
Mail Fraud = Federal offense.
I like the idea of telling them the IRS garnished the payment.
So I have made the mistake to have followed this scam I knew it was to good to be true. What should I do with this check?? Send it to law enforcement??
You can pin it on your fridge as a nice memento from the time you almost lost a few thousand dollars. Try and get them to send another check as every check they have to send out ends up costing them money.
Yep, just researched Full Throttle wrap. Rec’d. email yesterday from James Caw, Hiring manager, asking for info. Responded with info requested, then today, received email 1) You will receive a Certified Check to cover the total cost of the wrap. As soon as you receive the check, you will cash the check for the decal wrapping on your car, deduct $300.00 as your up-front payment. The rest of the funds 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 funds to the Graphic artist at the nearest Western Union/Money Gram outlet in your area, the Info which you will make the transfer to will be emailed to you soon.
Stopped, researched and doesn’t look like I will be accepting this “job”. :(
WOW! Thanks so much for posting… You caught me just before sending my personal information to the Wachusett Craft Beer Company… They wanted to pay me $300/week to wrap my car. Before I knew it was a scam, I told them that I wanted $600/week because I commute 120 miles per day in a premium advertising market between the Inland Empire and Culver City (Greater Los Angeles) I also left a message for the Marketing Manager at the actual brewery… I’m looking forward to the response from both parties.
Thank you thank you.
Here’s another one same as above:
Full Throttle Energy Drink. Car Wrap scam
Waiting for my check – so glad I researched it…
Yes u are so right! Seen the scam on craigslist 6/2015 also!i almost bcame a victim #pisstoff…..
Craigslist list has the post in the Gigs section for car wrapping for Starbucks.
My email response to Ad:
Hi Please provide more info re the Starbucks drinks Ad.
Suspected Scammer Replied:
through their normal daily routine,for $450 weekly,to advertise our product,and you will be paid via certified check,if you are inter
Thanks for contacting us about the ad,we are seeking people to carry this our STARBUCKS COFEE ENERGY DRINKS on their Vehicle and drive
ested..Send Your Full Name, Full Address with zip code, Your Age and Current Occupation,Make of car/year,to start advertising with us.
I then sent the information requested.
He/She responded
thanks for the info,You would be receiving a Check for$1300 and you would deduct your payment which is $450 for the advertisement,and
is cashed…. can you do this before we proceed with the Payments??
I responded i cannot take care of no upfront cost.
He/she replied
Our specialist will be coming to your location to do the wrap,this advert will last 2 months which is 60 days and you can carry it to
Cool,The payment will be mail out to your address tomorrow,i will contact you with the tracking #,and keep you updated on when you wil
h the tracking #,and keep you updated on when you will receive it,thanks i hope this work out between us.
Thats when i decided to research and found this site. Jeez am I glad!!!!
Thank you all for this. We should all inform the authorities.
Mine was from Monster Energy drinks – check was written on an account from Airborne Law Enforcement Association Inc in the amount of $1988 – Wont be cashing or sending them any money – duh if i had money i wouldnt have answered their email! Lesson learned
So, my question is, how does the scammer make money off of this?
I got one for Budweiser.
I think if everybody that received these scams would ‘play the game’ and have them send the cheque, they would lose mounds of money as they have to pay postage to send the cheque. After losing thousands of dollars in postage (and printing of fake cheques), with no financial return, they might just stop.
Something that has not been mentioned here is that
a) you are giving up personal info to a complete stranger
b) once the check is deposited and you then send some of the money back, this stranger now has your banking info, account and routing numbers, etc (I assume, though I have never dealt with checks)
c) I appreciate the heads up from someone who tried this out, but am very suspicious of ALL of it, since it is followed up by another offer to make money online.
d) because of point “c”, I am not enclosing my own e-mail address, but the one that I rec’d this offer from in regards to NOS Energy Drink, which is as follows:
nosenergydrink@bpaibas.eu
Let’s see if this gets posted. If it does, and it is left up, and if the offer on THIS site is legit, then my apologies and appreciation is DOUBLE!
So so glad I suspected fowl play and then looked up on the web and found all you smart people that felt it was to good to be true like me . I am going to post this on face book !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I also recieved the email and was considering it, Thank God I googled this, and listened to my gut. But in regards to check cashing you have to give them all your info and if check is no good then you will be responsible to pay them. Do not try you will have to pay it back.
Thank god for the internet. Good Luck to all and one piece of advice, Work is called work for a reason.
Nothing is that good or easy.
Just got one of these today. It was advertised through a Facebook page I belong too, from a person who was supposed to have been “accepted” into the group. Fell for it because I like others needed to make some extra cash (college student), so I even overlooked some of the typos. Same scam as above only from PepsiCo. The check came today from a company called Prime Global, Duluth GA,and the priority mail label was from a school in New York. I’m extremely glad I googled and found your site before I made a huge mistake. Goes to show once again I should listen and trust my gut instinct.
My husband fell for this one too. But when I saw the envelope and the check ,I got suspicious and checked for scams. So glad we did. They take advantage of people trying to make extra money.
I’m so broke and desperate I have a check coming in the mail too! Lol.. I’d love to mess with these scam artists. Funny thing though, about 45 years ago I was awarded three pairs of Levi jeans by simply attaching a magnet to the side of my car that said “Benos for Levi’s” I drove around with it for a couple of years! And those jeans were the bomb! I have to get creative here and mess with the scammers that are doing this!
Please help me what do i do now i think i have been scamed is there a number i can call please? Please help me now im a nervous wreck where do i go for this?
Why would you fall for something as obviously fake as this? Perhaps try law enforcement…otherwise, you live and learn.
I received a check from the park bank 1801 Greenwood cross Madison Wisconsin for 2,240
on top of the check was DP and kay Inc -Verona 2
107 horizon Dr Verona Wisconsin
Hart Huntington is who sent me the check I told him I was in the bank and I needed a phone number and speak to someone because the authorities wanted to speak to him. and I have not received not one more email so huh apparently they didn’t want to talk to my bank or the police officerapparently they did not want to talk to my banker or the police officer or give me their home address or phone number or an ID
Just got a check for $1750.00 and email instructions from David Christian when I decided to google and found your site… Thank God I didn’t trust this and thank you for sharing your experiences.
told My father has Jus received a check for 2000.00 from a landscaping company in Florida. Supposed be for a car wrap advert for VERVE energy drink. I immediately noticed the difference in addresses on the check and envelope. Check from floridia mail from Washington. I’ve had three friends scammed from CL so i was on top of it cause my father is very ignorant to the internet and all the scams out there he nbelieved it was real no matter ywhat i said. Till he went to the bank and they told him it was the wrong paper and all the other things wrong. He still thinks there’s a chance it’s real which is why i have it in ny possession now. The check cashing thing is a funny idea. Might just do that unless i can be prosecuted for it. Any one know if that possible
Mine is from 3 different Business names. 2 of which I found to be listed online as a real business. This scam actually sends you an ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER AUTHORIZATION FORM to sign giving them all your account information…. Hummm…. Allowing them to not only deposit but to WITHDRAW money if you happen to be overpaid…. Humm.
Here are the names… Kevin Bierly
Car Wrap Ad Concept of Philadelphia PA
conceptcarwrap@gmail.com
Vehicle Wraps Inc.
Wrap it Graphix Inc.
Concept Car Wrap LLC
I recently received an email from this so called NOS company and the hiring managers name was “Jamie Hanks” in which I replied to the email the way I was told to. I then received the same email as the one that’s posted on this site. I noticed the typos immediately which at that point I started to get leery about who I was talking to so to check and see if Jamie was real I replied with a detailed message with specific questions all of which he didn’t answer even though he responded. The email he responded with seemed like an automated response which at that point I knew for sure it was a scam. I then proceeded to receive the check in the mail for $2,750 presented by “Suntrust bank”. I took the check and am now having it investigated. I also tried calling him multiple times at the phone number he left at the bottom of some of him emails and got no response but what I did notice was the fact that the voicemail was automated. My question is, if you’re the “hiring manager” of a company, why don’t you have a personalized voicemail. That’s unprofessional therefore it just gave me another reason to know it wasn’t real. Please be careful and for those of you reading this article I want to say that I congratulate you on your decision to check your instincts because a lot of people believe this BS and end up putting themselves in a bad situation.
I replied to this and knew it was a scam after I got the check and information in the maiilbox.i texted back and told them I knew this was a SCAM and I used to be in Law Enforcement and I am turning my information and check over to the Sheriffs Dept. Inform your Law Enforcement of these Scanners. They have to be Stopped…
Thank you for this information on what to do. I knew this was to good to be true. I didn’t know what to do with the check but now I will be going to the sheriffs office and turning this check over to them. I will be emailing the scammers back like you did and let them know I am not going ahead with this.
Can’t believe folks fell for this scam. Either that or they’ve never heard of “The Nigerian Wire Scams” that have been going on for YEARS!! Any time you are asked to “cash a check and keep part of it and wire the rest to ****”, that should be your clue. And that they are “wanting drivers in the United States”, meaning the offer is from another country, the grammar in it is pathetic, and it comes from someone’s “personal” email not a corporate email. These scams have “B.S.” written all over them from the get go.
I got a check from Red bull yesterday as well. I will contact law enforcement and end this game.
This happened to me the same way but I haven’t put the check in the bank THANK GOD I read this or I would have. Thanks a million. Any suggestion on how we can mess with them cause I haven’t put the check in yet?
I was contacted last night by a James Watson
Hiring Manager
Bud-light
No number, should I string him along and ask to wrap my cars and place of business to see if they will go for my reply Scam?
I got the same email, initially it was from charles willer monsterwrap@live.com
Then I responded and the emails came from matgard@outlook.com
these people are saying they are representing a beer company by the name of Homer Beer, at first I thought Homer Simpson drinks Duff beer but I googled the company. It is a beer company in alaska. I live in Missouri
300 p/ week is a little hard to believe.
I havent been told that a check has been mailed as of yet. I am glad I did some research before I accepted this offer.
Mine is from Red Dog beer, my check is supposed to arrive today. I wonder if anyone has ever gone to a check cashing place and just walked with the money?
I was thinking about that, did you try?
You have to give the check cashing places your info… you will be held responsible if you give them your correct info, if you have a fake identity it could work.
I also wonder this, would a check cashing place even cash a check like this?
I had a very similar experience through Craigslist. It is a common scam. I was selling an industrial sewing machine. A company wanted to purchase it and have it shipped to their facility across the country. They sent me a check for more than the purchase price and I was to pay the “shipper” the extra amount. I took the check to the bank listed on the check and said “I think this is a fraudulent check, can you check it?” The bank confirmed it was fraudulent. They made a copy for their records and then told me to rip it up. There are several online places you’re supposed to register this type of fraud so the FBI and other organizations can track it. But after you’ve identified it as fraudulent, there isn’t really anything to do but rip up the check and start ignoring the messages from the scammer.
I enjoyed reading your writup! Thanks for sharing.
I have an Educational non profit its a new start up and I wanted to try and raise some money for the students. http://Www.satinsprogram.com I came across an ad for RedBull energy drink to wrap my car for 4 weeks. The emails sent to me were exactly the same as I have been reading here. In fact, just today I received a check for $1,980.00 sent by a Mr. Robert Guerrero the check looks identical to the images posted in this form. I’m both thankful and disappointed at the same time. In my first response to their offer I had mentioned that I was doing this to raise money for students hoping that maybe I could extent the opportunity to drive with their ad longer than 4 weeks. Its sad to learn that some people have no problems taking away money that would have gone to elementary students. Thank you all for your posts.
I’m so glad I found your site .I just got a check today it was car wrap for red bull. Thank you