In a nutshell: car wrap scams are a type of fake check scams.
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I first wrote about this scam back in 2013 and it’s almost 10 years later and still going strong.
This post alone has over 1,000 comments from people I’ve helped and countless more have written to me privately. I’ve saved tens of millions of dollars from falling into scammers hands.
If you aren’t careful, it can cost you thousands of dollars.
In fact, a study by the FTC showed that people reported a median loss of $1,988 in 2019 to fake check scams, including car wrap scams (Source)
Today, I’ll explain what a car wrap scam is, how to spot one, and relay my own personal experience with this scam, complete with photos.
How Do Car Wrap Scams Work?
As I’ve mentioned, car wrap scams are a type of fake check scams.
Generally, here’s how a fake check scam works:
1. Scammers get in contact with you.
Scammers get your information while you’re looking for a legitimate work from home job and reach out with a job offer.
Or maybe you end up contacting them because you saw an ad to “get paid to drive,” “mystery shopper wanted,” or “virtual assistant wanted.”
Others tell you that you’ve won a sweepstakes, even though you don’t remember ever buying a ticket or entering a contest.
2. They send you a fake check.
Once the scammer is talking to you, they send you a genuine-looking check. These checks look genuine enough to fool you and bank tellers.
Car wrap scammers will send you a check for a greater amount than they agreed to pay you. They’ll then tell you to deposit the check and send the graphic designers or car wrap service the rest of the amount so they can come and wrap your car.
Mystery shopping scammers will assign you to evaluate the services of a money transfer service or money order retailers, and sometimes gift card retailers. They’ll then send you a check to deposit it in your personal account and then wire the money to someone else or buy gift cards in that amount and send the codes to them.
Virtual or personal assistant scammers send you a check and then instruct you to buy gift cards for supplies for your clients and then send them the codes.
Sweepstakes scammers send you a huge check and then instruct you to wire them a certain percentage for taxes, handling fees, or processing fees.
3. You deposit the fake check.
When you make a check deposit, banks are legally required to make the funds available for you to withdraw immediately.
So you withdraw the funds and send the money to someone else or buy the gift cards, etc.
It all seems fuss-free and above board, right?
Wrong.
4. The check bounces.
It can take days or even weeks to uncover a fake check.
Once it’s uncovered, the check bounces and the bank takes back the money from your account.
But you’ve already sent thousands of your own dollars to the criminals!
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And they’ve vanished by this time. No way to contact them, no way to get the gift card codes back.
So you’re on the hook for the money, and now you have to explain to your bank why you even deposited a fake check into your account in the first place. You’re out the overdraft fees as well if you don’t have enough to cover the money that the bank took back.
This post was originally published in 2013. This scam is STILL occurring today and it looks like it will continue well into the future.
In fact, car wrap scams are now even more dangerous as the people behind them are coming up with more convincing ways to trick people into losing their hard-earned money.
For instance, some of the brands they claim to work with include ROCKSTAR Energy Drink®, Monster Energy Drink, Aquafina, Pirelli Tyres, McCafe, Dunkin’ Donuts, Langers Juice Company, Dr. Pepper, Marlboro, Purell, and many other big names.
Keep reading to see my experience with this scam and if you have received an email that you think might be sketchy, please post it in the comments below.
Can I cash the fake check?
The very first question I get asked is: “Can’t I just take the fake check to one of those check cashing places and keep the money?”
The answer is a hard no.
Check cashing facilities do not hand out money anonymously. You need to provide them with your identity, proof of residence, proof of employment, phone number, address, and so on. Even if they do manage to cash the check for you, the check will bounce and now they know how to get in contact with you.
They will start off by calling you, then mailing a certified letter, then they will escalate it and get the authorities involved. If you do not respond to their attempts to contact you, you can expect a warrant to be placed for your arrest by the authorities.
How to Spot, Avoid, and Report a Car Wrap Scam
So, knowing all these, what can you do to protect yourself from being scammed?
Take note of the following information:
1. Know how legitimate car wrap companies operate.
Actual car wrap companies do exist, such as Carvertise, Wrapify, Nickelytics, and My Free Car.
The main thing is that normally drivers come to them, not the other way around. They typically evaluate drivers based on how many miles they drive, where they drive, and their driving record.
They typically cover the cost of the wrapping themselves, too.
So if you do receive an email asking if you’re interested in having your car wrapped and getting paid hundreds of dollars a week, and you know you haven’t contacted or applied to a car wrapping company, ignore it. That’s likely a car wrap scam.
Most importantly, the amount on the check they’ll send you is exactly for the agreed amount, if they even pay you by check. Carvertise, for instance, pays you via direct deposit.
2. Never deposit checks from people you don’t know.
Sometimes it can be that simple.
Got a check in the mail from a stranger? Put it down and report it (see how below).
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3. Never use money from a check to buy gift cards, money orders, or wire money to third parties.
This applies even if you were written a check by someone you know.
If you buy gift cards and send the codes, or wire money, that’s like giving someone cash. You’re never going to get that money back.
Plus, what legitimate company wants you to send them digital gift cards? This alone doesn’t pass the sniff test.
4. If you receive a suspicious check, report it immediately.
Help yourself and other potential victims by reporting it to the following:
- Federal Trade Commission
- US Postal Inspection Service (under mail fraud)
- Attorney General
So what should you do when a scammer wants you to cash a fake check?
Here’s my personal experience with these car wrap scammers:
The Car Wrap Scam
In mid-September, I received an email from “David Christian” that originated from the address patriciabarrington@hotmail.com. The email simply said the following: Would You Wrap Your Car in an Ad for $300 Weekly? After I answered “yes,” I received the following email back:
Hello,
Wrap advertising is the marketing practice of completely or partially covering (wrapping) a vehicle in an advertisement or livery, thus turning it into a mobile billboard. This can be achieved by simply painting the vehicle surface, but it is becoming more common today to use large vinyl sheets as decals. These can be removed with relative ease, making it much less expensive to change from one advertisement to another. Vehicles with large, flat surfaces, such as buses and light-rail carriages, are fairly easy to work with, though smaller cars with curved surfaces can also be wrapped in this manner. Wrap advertising is available to anybody irrespective of the vehicle you drive.
We are currently seeking to employ individuals in the United States of America. How would you like to make money by simply driving your car or banner wrapped for ROCKSTAR Energy Drink®
How it works?
Here’s the basic premise of the “paid to drive” concept: ROCKSTAR Energy Drink® seek residents in the United States who are professional drivers to go about their normal routine as they usually do, only with a big advert for “ROCKSTAR Energy Drink®” plastered on your car. The ads are typically vinyl decals, also known as “auto wraps,”that almost seem to be painted on the vehicle, and which will cover any portion of your car’s exterior surface.Don’t Have a Car?
If you don’t have a car, you can also participate if you have a bike.What does the company get out of this type of ad strategy?
Lots of exposure and awareness. The auto wraps tend to be colorful, eye-catching and attract lots of attention. Plus, it’s a form of advertising with a captive audience,meaning people who are stuck in traffic can’t avoid seeing the wrapped car alongside them. This program will last for 3 months and the minimum you can participate is a month.What is the Contract Duration?
Once the wrap has been installed, minimum term is 4 weeks and maximum is 12 weeks.Would the wrap/decal damage the paint of my car?
The decal doesn’t damage the paint of car and will be removed by our representative once the contract expire. We will be responsible for installation and removal of the wrap.You will be compensated with $300.00 per week which is essentially a “rental”payment for letting our company use the space and no fee is required from you. ROCKSTAR Energy Drink® shall provide experts that would handle the advert placing on your car. You will receive an upfront payment of $300.00 in form of a check via courier service for accepting to carry this advert on your car.
It is very easy and simple no application fees required. Get back with the following details if you are interested in this offer.
Applicant information:
Name :
Full Street Address(not PO BOX) :
APT #:
City,State,Zip Code:
Cell Phone Number:
Home Phone Number:
Age:We shall be contacting you as soon as we receive this information.
Best Regards,
David Christian
Hiring Manager,
ROCKSTAR Energy Drink®
I provided my contact information, after which I received the following email:
Thank you for your swift response and your willingness to work with us. To this effect, you are advise to check your email regularly to get updates as to know when your upfront payment will arrive at your address.
1) You will receive a Check as a form of payment. As soon as you get the check, you will cash it for the decal wrapping on your car and deduct $300.00 as your up-front payment. The rest of the funds from that same check should be transferred to the Graphic artist that will wrap the decal on your vehicle. All you need is to confirm the acceptance and understanding of this email.
2) You will make a transfer of the remaining funds to the Graphic artist via wire transfer at an outlet in your area, the Info which you will make the transfer to will be emailed to you soon.
3) We’ll like you to confirm Information about your vehicle as below:
i) Type of Car and Color :
ii) Model/Year :
iii) Present Condition and the Mileage:
Note: Please, confirm that you did receive this message so that we can process funds that would be sent to you for the car advert.
All other instructions will be sent out to you asap.
I…………..Confirm to have received this email and understand the content.
Best Regards,
David Christian
Hiring Manager,
ROCKSTAR Energy Drink®
The Fake Check Arrives
I confirmed my willingness to work with “ROCKSTAR Energy Drink.” About a week later, I started receiving text messages on my phone from David Christian regarding my upcoming “check”.
Sure enough, when I went home and opened my mailbox, I found a check made out to me in the amount of $2,350. Woo hoo!
Interestingly, the check was made to look like it was coming from BOP, LLC, a legitimate clothing store business here in Madison, Wisconsin. The envelope, however, had a copy of a USPS Priority Mail 2-Day slip on it in which Rudy Grado, at 27405 Sutherland Drive, Warren, MI 48088-6078, was noted as the sender. I took pictures of both the fake check and the envelope it came in and have provided these pictures below. The pink stickies were affixed by me to hide my home address.
I called BOP, LLC and told them that I had received a check from them for the amount of $2,350. The business immediately asked me if my check was blue. I said no; it was actually a green color. The store immediately informed me that the check was fake and I should talk with law enforcement.
Meanwhile, I had David Christian texting me at least twice that day and asking me if I’d received my instructions on what to do with the check. I texted “him” back that I had yet to receive any emailed instructions. Naturally, when I later checked my email I found the following message:
Hello Halina,
Kindly proceed and deposit the check into your bank account and funds will be available for withdrawal 24hrs after it has been deposited. I will be waiting for a confirmation message immediately the check is deposited.
As soon as the cash is out you are to deduct $300.00 which is your upfront payment and forward the balance ($2,050.00) to the graphic artist that will be wrapping the decal on your vehicle via Money Gram and they will also be responsible for removing the decal when the program is completed. Please visit www.moneygram.com to check agent location close to you and make transfer through them.
Below is the name of the receiver. Please note that the transfer charges should be deducted from the remaining $2,050. You are to get back to me with the transfer details (Reference Number and the exact amount sent).
Below is the Graphic Artist Money Gram details to send the Money to
Receiver’s Information:
Name: Sandra Fagan
City: Jacksonville
State: FL
Zip Code: 32210Kindly get back with the information below once the transfer has been completed.
Reference Number & Total Amount Sent
FAQ: Why am I sending money to Florida? The head office of the graphic artist is in FL.
As soon as payment is acknowledged by them, a local artist in your area will be sent to your address to install the decal wrap on your car. Let me know as soon as the check is deposited today.
If you require additional information, do not hesitate to email or call me.
Best regards,
David Christian
Hiring Manager.
(702)605-0985
What do you think I should do?
At this point in time, I’m debating about taking several different courses of action. I could do the following:
1. Contact local law enforcement and tell them that Patricia Barrington, Sandra Fagan and Rudy Grado are writing fake checks in a legitimate Madison business’ name.
2. Contact the FBI about the same issue since it spans several states (i.e., Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada and Florida).
3. Tell the scammers that I’ve deposited the check and am waiting for it to clear. This puts the car wrap scammers in a holding pattern because checks typically take 1-2 weeks to clear.
4. Tell the scammers that their “employment” check has been forwarded to the IRS for cashing because I owe back taxes and all my earnings must first be garnished (That should put them into a panic!).
5. New development! I might have a second car wrap scam check coming to my house very soon. This one is from George Jennings of NOS Energy Drink. Should I tell the ROCKSTAR scam folks that I’ve instead decided to work with the NOS scam folks- or vice versa?
I’ve Tried That readers, what would you do in this situation?
Update as of October 7, 2013:
First off all, thank you everyone for your feedback! I was feeling a little confrontational this morning, so I decided to first text David Christian and say that I’d deposited the check last Friday at my bank. Within seconds, I received a text message back from him, asking if I’d received my email instructions.
Deciding to not play text tag any longer, I called Mr. David Christian at the phone number (702) 605-0985. A guy with a slight English accent picked up the line and actually identified himself as David Christian. I told him that I’d deposited the check I’d been sent last Friday, but the bank had put a hold on it for some reason. He asked me how long the hold was. I answered that the bank wanted to hold it for two weeks.
David didn’t seem too concerned about the hold and said that I could just wait until the check cleared, then write out my own check to the graphic artist.
I then asked David about the Madison business that had been listed on the check (BOP, LLC). I said I was confused about why this business was being listed on the check. David answered that this business was the sponsor.
I then told David that I had contacted this business and they had no idea what I was talking about. BOP had also told me that the check was the wrong color (their checks have a blue background).
At that point, David and I lost connection. I tried calling him back at least two times. No answer. I wonder what happened. I hope he’s OK…
Update as of October 12, 2013:
This past week, I received the following email from a “George Jennings (george.jennings11@outlook.com)” of NOS Energy drink:
Hello Halina,
Information reaching me this morning has it that you will be receiving the check today. The check of $2,330.00 has been sent to you via USPS with tracking number (9405501699320009816575) and it will be delivered to you this morning. Kindly proceed and deposit the check into your bank account and funds will be available for withdrawal 24hrs after it has been deposited.
I will be waiting for a confirmation message immediately the check is deposited. As soon as the cash is out you are to deduct $300.00 which is your upfront payment and forward the balance ($2,030.00) to the graphic artist that will be wrapping the decal on your car via Money Gram.
They also will be responsible in removing the decal when the program is completed.
Below is the name of the receiver. You are to get back to me with the transfer information (8 digits Money Gram Reference) Number and the exact amount sent). You are to deduct the transfer charges ($180.00) from the $2,030.00 you have with you.
Below is the Graphic Artist Money Gram Details to send the Money to in Minutes
PAYMENT INFO
Name: Constance H Lawson
City: Saint Johnsbury
State: Vermont
Zip code: 05819Kindly get back with the information below once the transfer has been completed.
Money Gram Reference Number# & Total Amount Sent
FAQ: Why am I sending money to Vermont? The head office the graphic artist is VT, As soon as payment is acknowledge by them, a local artist will come to your house and install the decal wrap on your car. Let me know as soon as the check is deposited.
If you require additional information, do not hesitate to email me or call me.
Best Regards
George Jennings.
951-234-7388
Hiring Manager.
And here’s the fake check:
I’m seeing at least one common theme between the NOS and ROCKSTAR Energy Drink scammers. First of all, the car wrap “sponsors” are both clothing shops, BOP (of Madison, WI) and Madison et Cie (of Los Angeles, CA). What a clothing shop has to do with an energy drink, I haven’t a clue.
I also think that the NOS scam artists are far more sloppy than the ROCKSTAR Energy Drink scam artists; why would an LA-based shop sponsor a car in Madison? Unless that shop was picked only because it has the name “Madison” in it- did the scammers think I wouldn’t notice the location of this “Madison”-based shop?
Update as of October 15, 2013:
So, apparently, I don’t have to be scammed for $1,850 ($2,030 – $180 for wire transfer charges). I can also be scammed for just…get ready for it…$1,000!
Hello Applicant,
You are receiving this email because you applied for car wrap job. We are please to inform you that your application has been processed. Payment has been sent and delivered which include your 1st week payment and funds for the graphic artist. We will like to have an update from you if you have been able to forward fund to your matched graphic artist head office. If yes, provide the transfer info and If you are yet to receive payment from us, please let us know so we can process your application immediately. We look forward to your swift response.
Regards
George Jennings
My reply (including all broken grammar and misspellings): Thank you for email. My bank deposited the check but tell me I will receive back only one thousand dollars from thsi check. I don’t understand why.
George Jennings: Why is that? What did the bank say?
My reply: The bank is saying that the IRS is going to garnish my check as wages. I’m supposed to send them a W-9 from NOS too. Can you send a W-9 for these wages?
George Jennings: All the necessary document will be presented to you before the installation. Kindly proceed to send the $1000 via Western union to Constance to enable us book the installation appointment and the graphic artist will bring the W-9 with him. I will be expecting the Western union details.
Update as of October 18, 2013:
My saga with George Jennings continues:
Me: What about the $200 wire transfer charge?
GJ: The transfer charges should be deducted from the $1000. Kindly try and get this done today so the appointment can be booked.
Me: I sent a check this afternoon to the graphic artist. Thanks!
GJ: To who? You are to make a western union transfer to the details that was sent to you. Not send a check besides no address was provided to you.
Me: To Constance H. Lawson. She lives on Railroad St. in Saint Johnsburg, VT. It was much cheaper for me to just send a check.
GJ: Call it back.
Me: I already sent the check to her, but I can call her phone number and let her know not to cash the check. Or, should I send payment to the following address: PO Box 4125 Saint Johnsbury, VT 05819-4125
At this point, George stopped answering my emails. Too bad…
The Bottom Line: Avoid Car Wrap Job Offers
At best, responding to these scammers will waste your time. At worst, it could cost you thousands of dollars, financial ruin, and get you in trouble with the authorities.
Avoid any offered car wrap jobs, ignore the people behind them, and always do your research.
However, since you’re here reading this, you’re no doubt interested in finding new ways to make some extra money.
Recommended Resources
- Get Paid to Drive
- Secret Shopper Jobs
- Virtual Assistant Jobs
- Legitimate Work from Home Jobs
- Side Hustles That Make Money
- Online Business Ideas
- 20 Ways to Make Money with Your Phone
I hope this post helped you avoid a scam and find a legitimate opportunity to pursue.
Please leave a comment below if you’ve ever had a run-in with one of these scammers. Every comment helps!
I found an amp energy car wrap on fb and I wanted to at first but after reading this, I decided not to. Thx
I to got this e-mail from Bud light. Same letter as a lot of you. A lot of miss spelled words, I asked people at work about it and they told about the scam. I sent the scammers a e-mail back and told them that I know its a scam and NO THANKS.
I saw an ad on craigslist thought it was to good to be true but texted the number anyway. It was about car wrapping with monster energy. 9187708193 was the phone number I contacted. When he started asking about my personal information I decided to look it up before going any further and realized it was a scam. I would report the phone number but am not sure how to do so, if anyone could help out that would be great.
Question…what if a check cashing place is used and a portion of the money is taken to cover the check and it’s not deposited? I MA HAVE gotten myself in a strange situation as I haven’t sent the money order yet
Right along with everyone else… received the email, replied because was interested, received priority mail, and NOT taking anything to the bank or to be cashed. Seriously, who send out money to strangers? This entire ordeal just doesn’t add up. Shipment from one state, you live in another, but sending money to another state.? That’s three different places and a TOTAL SCAM! Obviously people are falling for it because the emails and mail keep coming to people all over the world!
I have gotten the same NOS scam in Madison WI should be getting my “check” by thursday taking it and the text messages straight to law enforcement.
they are trying to use criket also watch out for them I did not give them my information as I looked this up to see if it was real and behold it is just another money scam
I received a check from the absolute Haitian corporation
Massachusetts from the commerce bank of Worcester MA 01610 in the amount of $12,880.00 I was contacted by a person named Joy Joyce about being paid $1200 per month to have my car wrapped with advertising from Apple well the check came from James Scott and the check was from Massachusetts but it was mailed from Vancouver Canada I’ve been instructed to send $12,280 to a car wrap company in Florida. Wow what efforts these con artist go through it would be less work to make money honest. Believe me if it sounds too good to be true it is. Whatch out for the con artist.
I wanna know did anybody cash the check and go to jail for it?
I was stupid to fall it so far I’d send $300 to them and I’d sent the rest $1050 but I didn’t give them the reference number to retrieve it so I’m going to hold off and talk to my bank and the bank they had to see If the check will bounce….
Look out for full throttle energy drink, same exact thing.
Just got a check from Logan Gonzalez
Hiring manager xyience energy drink
The name on the check is Powercore Engineering in London Ontario Canada
But the envelop has a ups sticker from a Ron Spry of Gordon Construction of Mahnome Mn
United states, what has a construction company an engineer company have to do with an energy drink, also one company is in the USA and the other is in Canada, I think I’ll see if this Logan Gonzalez starts e-mailing me about depositing the checks and see what the instructions will be maybe have a little fun with him, after he sends enough emails have my self a little walk to my local police station see what they think
Did you cashed the check? If yes what did the bank say?
I’ve just received a e-mail that the check is in the mail it’s still happening how to stop this?
From this website:sahassahs@gmail.com
Good Day,
How are you doing today, payment has been sent out to you and the delivery tracking number with usps and your delivery address appears below: Track it now and reply to me with the status update.
9405501699320063408440 is the tracking number
Track it on http://www.usps.com/tracking
Once you have received the check you will proceed to deposit and cash it in your bank and deduct $250 your first week upfront payment like i mentioned in my earlier mail and additional $50 for transportation and transfer of the balance to the sticker expert with his details you will find on a letter along with the check immediately to purchase the material and start coming immediately to place the sticker.
$250 is your upfront first week reward and $50 for transfer charges and your run around gas. After placing the sticker in the first week your reward check will be issued from the upper week once in a month upfront worth $1000 to same name and address, in any situation of changes in address or names make sure you send a notice ahead of time – Thank You. I am waiting for your reply now to know we are still on the same page.
Regards,
Michael Green
Director – Campaign Program
Monster Energy Drink® 2015
Thank you so much for the Alert, i got the check processed and got the money in the bank, it is the monster energy drink decal also.
i am thinking of good way to revenge, any ideas.?
got one from Monster Drink.
unfortunately some are falling for this scam. Else they would not keep trying.
I got one of these also came in mail today. On envelope it was sent from a construction company out of Calf. Its a scam also.
I’m going to have some fun with this scam. I have access to backtrace software that will give me the location of the person I call. Looks like someone is getting arrested soon.
Same scam for volt energy drink going around
Watch out for same scam using Cricket Wireless. Thanks for posting the warning.
They also pose under Craiglist Ads looking for Personal Assistants and they run the same layout. They will send a check and you deduct your earnings from it…I hope they are all caught
I just responded to a ad on craigslist. I never heard of this scam before. Something told me to use google . The company told me they were using Toshiba. I will let this page know what happens.
I responded and just received my text to get all of my mailing info. This is for Street king energy drink. Decided to look up the company on the web, because I had never heard of them. This is where I ended up. Thanks everyone for the warning.
Thank goodness you posted I was thinking this was legit as well. They must be copying and pasting different companies with this email because mine was exactly verbatim what you posted except mine was for sparkly top beer or some crap anyway thanks for posting it is total bull crap
Heady topper beer was mine I had to go check it out let you guys knowfrom a shark woods at Outlook.com
Thanks for posting. Nos Energy drink scammers are running same car wrap scam on Craiglist in Toledo Ohio.
I was on the other end of the scam yesterday, they used my check, how did they get a copy of my checking account?
I knew it was too good to be true. Received the cashiers check in the mail yesterday but after reading all the instructions on having to go to Walmart to issue a wire transfer to someone in Florida got me feeling very uneasy. Looked online to see if there was a car wrap scam and came across this website. Sure enough there is a scam. Sorry Rockstar or whoever you are, you ain’t getting my hard earned money. I think I’m going to pay a visit to my police department today and show them the check and emails. These people need to be stopped!
THANK YOU!!! I JUST RECEIVED AN EMAIL TO WRAP MY CAR FOR UTOPIA BEER AND THEY ALSO OFFERED 300 A WEEK. I’m so thankful for your post.
I just got a response from an email stating I was hired and that a check was mailed to my house today. I was uneasy about all the instructions ans having to wire the funds to the graphic artist. So glad my gut told me to research this more thoroughly and thank you for your post as your post alerted me to how the scam works.
I’m in Texas and this just happened to me!
They said they were from kuhnhenn beer
Thank Goodness for these websites. Otherwise My name would be less appealing . I too fell for the bogus email. I remember a year ago I got a similar one and never got a response back from company ,so I assumed that I wasn’t accepted no Big deal.
I did some research on face book for the energy drink company that supposedly sent me the email and they were not advertising on folks vehicles. Matter a fact their company employees can drive advertising vehicles when they are in the field or are a field rep.
I really wish I can get to the other end of the phone/address and grab the person or persons and show them what real work is. How they are not robbing me out of my hard earned money. My blood boils thinking about it.
I got one of these that purports to be from toms shoes. I guess they’ve gotten tired of using drink companies
Thanks everyone for all of your comments… How many people actually deposited their check and we’re able to get some funds? If so, what happened next?!? This shit is crazy!!!
I unfortunately fell for the NOS wrap scam n sent $1631 to China because the graphic is manufactured there and then sent to the graphic artist. I deposited the check to a little used Credit Unopn savings account and let it set ouver the week end until about noon today. Called the Credit Union and was told the funds were available. Only pulled out what I needed to forward. Didn’t make copy of check nor kept the USPS envelope the check came in. So what can I expect to happen next?
I thought it was coming from a different company so I put it into my account and when I got the email telling me what to do I immediately new it was a scam but it was too late. I didn’t send them any money or anything but I had put it into my account so it made things bounce because it was like I had this large amount of funds and they charged me for the check. I am going to try to find them if it cost me more than that fake check they sent me. I’ve already started, we will take them down
I cannot believe so many people have fallen for this…seriously, if someone was going to pay people $500 a week for a big sticker don’t you think everyone would do it? I could see if it was a couple hundred a month, tops.
If it sounds too good to be true….
People looking to make extra money are ripe for these things because their desire clouds their vision. Would a real job at Apple make you pay a Chinese company a portion for using their machines? Would McDonald’s make you pay the cash register makers?
Think rationally and TELL PEOPLE how you were almost scammed – that the crooks are that damn good. These things run rampant because most people keep silent because they’re embarrassed.
So:
ALWAYS check everything out. Everything.
NEVER believe in something so easy and profitable. None of us are so smart that we’d find these things out first. Sad but true.
GO to the police and
STOP communications with the crooks immediately. You don’t know if you’re implicating yourself or aiding them.
Received a text last night from (647)702-1526 that said: “Would you wrap your car with an advert and earn $300 weekly? Kindly send an email to
carwrap@malvernswater.com for more information.
Of course my initial reaction was “scammer” but was curious- so googled ‘car wrap scam’ and this forum came up. Thanks for everyone posting.
I just received a promo. from Pepsi the other day explaining in detail like the other accounts. I just confirmed today my information with them and something told me I should look into it. So the next thing they are suppose to do is send me a check, what should I do with it. How can I help to put a stop to this?
I just emailed my details to a person after answering an ad about car wrap income…The email I received sounds almost verbatim like the ones above! Doesn’t say anything yet about the whole transfer money to the graphic designer part but obviously that is coming. I’m very disappointed lol. I found the ad in the back of a local paper in Los Angeles. Oh well!! Thanks for the eye-opening!!
For the past week, my fiance just announced to me yesterday about the wrap & check thing and was going to go straight to the bank with it. I told him he could, but I wanted it investigated at the bank first. What was so ironic was he had two checks come in on the same day which would’ve totaled his account (if it was real) to 6k for his two cars. We were told by the bank there are flaws by looking directly at the checks. When it was copied we were able to see it better. There’s an artificial watermark which is broken and so are other large amounts. The other part is found within the memo which states “payment with valid ID” or “payment authorized.”
The brown envelope arrived by Priority Mail – 3 days USPS for a wrap of AMP Energy drink addressed this way:
Quality Printing Co.
Quality Printing Co.
1047 Broadway St.
Anderson, IN. 46012
That check shows it banks at Wells Fargo and it is headed by:
Alan Gordon Enterprises
5625 Melrose Ave
Hollywood, CA. 90038
Bank Address:
Wells Fargo
1600 Vine St.
Hollywood, CA. 90028
Check of $2,500.00
Pay with Valid ID
Acct No. 000543662 121000248 0784648081
Phone No. 406-213-7066
The next identifying check information was from weeks before and my fiance couldn’t remember who this was sent from originally. He thinks it was for the same drink. Even stranger is the guy claims to have the same first name. Still don’t have a list name though.
Envelope: Priority Mail 3 Day
Robert Scott
LeCom
1858 W. Grandview Blvd.
Erie, PA. 16509
had the AMB Energy drink
Check information:
Duluth Airport Authority
4701 Grinden Drive
Duluth, MN. 55801
Bank information:
Republic Bank
305 Superior Street
Duluth, MN. 55802
Acct# 000029147 09190523 003970
I received the same thing, but for a Triumph Beer Company… Supposed my check is waiting in the mail today… Fishy fishy…
Dear Ashley Dickerson ,
Pedras Salgadas Sparkling Water® thanks you for your interest in knowing more about this program open to residents of Canada and United States only who drive going about their usual daily activities, only with a designed decal of “Pedras Salgadas Sparkling Water®” plastered on your vehicle making it a mobile billboard to help create awareness of the products and services we have to offer.
Our company gets lots of exposure and awareness through this media. The automobile wraps tend to be colorful, eye-catching and attracts lots of attention. It’s also a form of advertising with a captive audience, meaning people who are stuck in traffic can’t avoid seeing the wrapped car beside them. This program will last for 3 months, in which the minimum you can participate is 8weeks (contract renewable at the end of the 8th week).
The decal will be installed by a representative of the Graphic design company contracted by us for this program and will be removed by the same representative once the contract expires. We will be responsible for any kind of damage made by the wrap(If any), but we are 99% sure that there will not be any sort of damage as the decal is harmless. You will be compensated with $225.00 per week which is essentially a “rental” payment for letting our company advertise on your vehicle and no fee is required from you. More also, you will receive payment in form of a paycheck via courier service and the 1st payment sent out to you from our North America payment office incharge of payments for this program will cover the cost of installing of the decal on your car and your payment for the at least the 1st and 2nd weeks of contract period.
Attached to this email is a photograph sample of what the decal looks like on a vehicle and a binding contract, which you are advised to carefully read, understand, and complete the required fields on the form, sign and send back a copy of the Agreement for us to proceed with the program and make payments available.
Sincerely,
Raymond M. Lepera
Events and Promotions Manager
Pedras Salgadas Sparkling Water®
***THANK GOD FOR THIS SITE!! IM NOT GOING TO BE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF!!**
I received an email from what showed as Rockstar Energy Drink concerning the car-wrap scam…. They offered me $500/week, etc. etc. the email was sent to “undisclosed recipients” in the heading, which means instantly that they’re just broadcasting this thing everywhere… the return email had davidmartins@cheerful.com, but the reply-to email was marketing@vehiclewrapadvert.com… Fishy right from the get-go!
I copy/pasted the entire email and all headings, etc. directly to Rockstar to bring everything to their attention… I’ll update if I hear anything back from them! What a shame! This could be a great money-maker for those of us who could use the extra cash, but scum like this ruin it for us all… :(
Okay, that’s brave. I would never deal that much with scammers. However, I do find it hilarious. Especially about the “oh I just mailed her a check, it was cheaper”. Funny how all of a sudden people loose cell connections, right?
From: Energy Drink (+16122134431)
Hello thanks for contacting us about the ad, we are just seeking individual that can carry this Energy Drink company advertisement on your car and you will be paid $400 per week which the specialist fund too will be included which you will be giving to them to wrap your car,and you will be paid by certified cashier check without no disturbance or obstruction by the check that we are sending you okay. Get back to us,if you are interested with your Name Street Address: City: State: Zip code: to send you the check and also send your Age: Current Occupation: Make of car/year:. We will contact you immediately we receive this information Note: Energy Drink company will take full responsibility for placing and remove decal on your car and it will not resort to any damage
2015/09/10 02:53:15PM
SO I SENT THEM THE INFO ……….
From: Energy Drink (+16122134431)
Thanks for getting back to us with your details, we are working on it and we will get back to you with the tracking # of the check and all other details, more so the specialist fund too will be included which you will be giving to the specialist to wrap your vehicle ok.? Thank you
2015/09/11 12:18:01AM
I RESPONDED WITH GREAT THAANKS. Now here is the shipping info…. US POST OFFICE BLA BLA BLA BLA
9405501699320058917513
Estimated Arrival:Not Available
Status:Arrived at USPS Origin Facility (TAMPA, FL 33605)
View Details
From: Energy Drink (+16122134431)
Hello! we have the tracking number of the issued check via USPS, It would be delivered to you tomorrow or on Thursday and here is the tracking number of the check # 9405501699320058917513 originated from USPS. Kindly get back to us once you receive the check to make the arrangement of wrapping your car OK?
2015/09/15 02:14:30PM
I RESPONDED WITH YES….
From: Energy Drink (+16122134431)
Ok thanks,i will want you to get back to me once you receive the check okay?
2015/09/15 03:24:02PM
Sent from my HTC
I RESPONDED WITH OK ILL DO THAT….. Then I decided to ask this….. Can I please have the name of your company and who exactly I will be working for . As well as the person who I would be reporting to. Thank you.
They finally responded with this …Ok you are working for NOS energy drink…..
I RESPONDED Thank you.
I received a check for $14.500.00 to wrap my car in a Monster Energy Drink wrap.l opened a new account, deposited the check, told the bank to do extra investigation on this check and hol for as many days as they would like. Of course it came back fraudulent. I then signed an affidavit. With all the details , phone numbers, copies of letters& envelope. The bank is going to go after them now. They credited my account all nsf fees. And closed my account with no charge,since I was up front with them from the beginning
Wow! Really got my hopes up! Got this offer on Tuesday from Mountain Valley Spring Water. Replied and received this:
Hello Jennifer,
Mountain Valley Spring Water® thanks you for your interest in knowing more about this program open to residents of Canada and United States of America only who drive going about their usual daily activities, only with a designed decal of “Mountain Valley Spring Water®” plastered on your vehicle making it a mobile billboard to help create awareness of the products and services we have to offer.
Our company gets lots of exposure and awareness through this media. The automobile wraps tend to be colorful, eye-catching and attracts lots of attention.It’s also a form of advertising with a captive audience,meaning people who are stuck in traffic can’t avoid seeing the wrapped car beside them. This program will last for 3 months, in which the minimum you can participate is 8weeks (contract renewable at the end of the 8th week).
The decal will be installed by a representative of the Graphic design company contracted by us for this program and will be removed by the same representative once the contract expires. We will be responsible for any kind of damage made by the wrap(If any), but we are 99% sure that there will not be any sort of damage as the decal is harmless. You will be compensated with $225.00 per week which is essentially a “rental”payment for letting our company advertise on your vehicle and no fee is required from you. More also, you will receive payment in form of a check via courier service and the 1st payment sent out to you from our North America payment office incharge of payments for this program will cover the cost of installing of the decal on your car and your payment for the at least the 1st 2weeks of contract period.
Attached to this email is a binding contract which you are advised to carefully read, understand, complete the required fields on the form, sign and send back a copy of the Agreement for us to proceed with the program and make payments available.
Sincerely,
David Mckay
FAX: +1(708)575-8385
Mountain Valley Spring Water®
I got the same offer from Mountain Valley Spring water. I looked up the website, and it really doesn’t exist.
http://Www.mountainvalleywaterutah.com
It’s a scam. I did respond to the first email to see what would be sent to me next, and I’m considering passing it on to the authorities. But I have some experience with this kind of stuff, and they rarely go after these people. They consider it small compared to what they really want to investigate. A waste of their time basically. Which bothers me, but what can I do?
I would really advised not talking to those people any longer and just heading start to law firm. Those scammers know tripp and make themselves sound legit, don’t ever trust them. Because as far as I can tell they are only trying to waste your time and energy for nothing. Do the right and contact a lawyer. Hope this helps!?
So mine was from monster and I’m waiting on the reply for the check to see same thing. And so far nothing about I got to pay someone to do my car. But I will. Definitely research it more and turn it in to authority’s when I get it. But they do this cause once you deposit the check they get your account information so they can hack your money
I got a email too… Mine is to do it diet dr pepper… Waiting for the check and instructions
I got the same thing last year for the RedRain energy drink, I went as far as depositing the check in my account, but I have never heard of any check, especially one for that amount, being cleared in 24 hours. So the only thing that saved me from losing nearly $2.000.00 was that I didn’t get the money out of my account and send it that next day. They were very adamant that I get to the bank asap after I deposited it and send it via Money Gram. I went to get the money out after about three days and it has been returned for insufficient funds. I should have listened to my mom, she knew it was a scam all along! I have received the same offer from a different beverage, this is for “BEER”, whatever that is. In really want to try and catch these guys in the act. What do you recommend that I do to try and stop these jerks from ripping off someone else?
I was Desperate and spent 296 of this check and then realized something not right!
I got one for 1950$~ august 2015 27th. They texted me, from a fake Verizon wireless service, well I assume they used the same gmail account to text from. The IP address they sent from could not be traced because it was a private account , currently looking for the sender thru the USPS site (phone number), still on hold as I type. gmail is harder to trace from.
224-725-3209 that phone number
Switch CLLI Code: HCHLILMTCM2
2607:f8b0:400d:c09::235
10.36.252.197 ip address
SMTP id q142mr3961466qha.92.1440657136515
Can anyone use this information to trace?
Omg I just received the check I’m glad I google it and found this website thank you guys and I also called apple to let them know what theses people are doind I email Apple a copy of the check and there address
Let the postal inspector know…. if they used a usps, maybe they can trace, I need to wait till Monday to do mine
So I almost fell for the scam. Mine was for DUB Magazine. Was looking on there site for some pics, saw a fraud tab. After reading it it was almost word for word verbatim. But I let the scammers think I was still game. Got the $1,680 check today, called the bank on it an just like we knew not real. So now it’s time to call the FBI.
So happy I did not go threw with this, but crushed that my 06 Mustang GT will not have a Rock Star decal :( and the money would have been nice. **Cool looking check though “can I use all this as proof of income I’m trying to qualify for a home loan? he…he…he”***
So glad my son is so smart!! He found this site and saved my from ruin! Something should be done!
I’m so glad I found this website before I could cash in that check. Mine was for room use energy……….. do ya’ll think I could do the check cashing place like one of the commenter said
OMG so I’m happy that I found this website I just received my check in the mail and something just didn’t feel right. Mine was for cricket cell phones company. My check was 2,980 I would of been shit out of luck. I just don’t get what they get out of this
What they get out of it is the money you transfer to the “fake” graphic artists before the check bounces.