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!
Yesterday I had received a text message from this number 903-646-1942:
An Opportunity to earn $500 weekly by putting a small sticker on your car/truck/bike for Bud Light Drink..Click [website removed] for more info and apply
Didn’t think too much of it. $500 weekly just to have a small sticker placed on my car. So I clicked the link and read the details and instructions. Seemed like easy money, $500 per week for 7 to 12 weeks. That’s an easy $6000, which I could use for nursing school. Only difference: the text said small sticker while on the site it’s saying car wrap. I applied anyway and woke up this morning to an email that was sent at 4:23 this morning -_-. Unless this individual is a night owl or early bird, why send an email at an ungodly time? I’m reading it and thinking, this has scam written all over it. I still gave my info, however I sent another email asking, how come the the technician isn’t paid directly by the company. Why is the responsibility of the individual getting their car wrapped? Anyway, this was the context of the email:
Hello,
Congratulations, I am happy to inform you that you have successfully qualified for this advert program. An expert, who will come to your place to fix the ad on your car has been allocated to install the decals on your car. You will therefore receive your payment alongside the money that will be paid to the national car detail-er (Technician) in the mail. So, when you receive the payment, you will take out your first week payment of $500 and send the rest to the expert for them to buy tools and materials that will be brought to your house for your car paintings. These materials are liquid and they get dried up, that is why they are not bought until the right time, more so different cars use different ones so they cannot be bought and kept until you are set . A check payment of of $1520.99 will be mailed to you to cover your money and the technician money. In view of this, please confirm the following details;
How long do you intend to carry the advertisement on your car?
Do you use your car everyday?
Also reconfirm your name and address to avoid any mistake as Follows;
Name
Address
Suite Number (Very Compulsory)
City
State
Zip code
Phone Number (Mobile)
Just as it should be on the check, where your payment should be mailed to. You are to be checking your email daily for updates and the arrival of your check in the mail.
John Chris
Hiring Manager
Bud Light Lime Drink
Btw if you click the link, you will see that the page created via Wix was deleted. Lmao!!!
Another one. Jacksonville, Florida. Even in printed newspaper
https://featuredemployer.jacksonville.com/company/medi392-140770/job/marketing-rep-in-jacksonville-fl-3bsllo1owihiihu3zwx2wpdn6dy6f6/
Email back from the guy/ email realdomino@mail.com :
Hello Paige,
Media-392, a growing third-party company helping drivers connect with various businesses that will pay to advertise their goods and services on personal vehicles using semi-permanent decals.
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 with their own car. How would you like to make money by simply driving your car or banner wrapped for RED BULL ENERGY DRINK
How it works?
Here’s the basic premise of the “paid to drive” concept: RED BULL ENERGY DRINK seek people who are drivers of their own car to go about their normal routine as they usually do, only with a big advert for “RED BULL 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.
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 $250.00 per week which is essentially a “rental payment” for letting our client use the space and no fee is required from you. RED BULL ENERGY DRINK shall provide expert decal artist that would handle the advert placing 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:
Full Name :
Full Street Address(not PO BOX) :
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
Ed Nelson
Good thing a google search brought up this website.
Get Paid To Drive Concept By Busch®
Kindly Read & Understand The Below Content Carefully.
Busch® Beer New cans.
Since 1955, Busch has delivered a beer that’s as crisp and cold as a
mountain stream. Our beers consistently deliver a refreshingly smooth
taste and easy finish and we are currently seeking to employ
individual’s Nationwide, Regular citizens to go about their normal
routine as they usually do, only with a small advert for Busch®
plastered on your car as show on the image “NEW CANS, SAME GREAT
TASTE”. The advert are typically vinyl decals that almost seem to be
painted on the vehicle.
What does the company get out of this type of ad strategy?
Lots of exposure and awareness. The adverts 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 12 weeks and the minimum you can participate is
7 weeks.
Compensation:
You will be compensated with $500 per week which is essentially a
“Rental” payment for letting Busch® use the space and no fee is
required from you. Busch® shall provide specialist that will handle
the advert placing on your car. You will receive an up front payment
inform of Cashier check via courier service for accepting to carry
this advert on your car.
It is very easy and simple and no application fees required to get
started, fill the form below.
Name
Address
Street Address
City
State / Province
Zip Code
Email
Phone Number
Name/Color & Model year of your car/truck or bike
Age
Sex
NOTE: Busch® will take full responsibility for placing and remove
decal on your car/truck or bike and it will not resort to any damage
This is the original email I received. The following are subsequent emails in regards to this car wrap scam.
Kindly Read & Understand The Below Content Carefully.
Busch® Beer New cans.
Since 1955, Busch has delivered a beer that’s as crisp and cold as a
mountain stream. Our beers consistently deliver a refreshingly smooth
taste and easy finish and we are currently seeking to employ
individual’s Nationwide, Regular citizens to go about their normal
routine as they usually do, only with a small advert for Busch®
plastered on your car as show on the image “NEW CANS, SAME GREAT
TASTE”. The advert are typically vinyl decals that almost seem to be
painted on the vehicle.
What does the company get out of this type of ad strategy?
Lots of exposure and awareness. The adverts 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 12 weeks and the minimum you can participate is
7 weeks.
Compensation:
You will be compensated with $500 per week which is essentially a
“Rental” payment for letting Busch® use the space and no fee is
required from you. Busch® shall provide specialist that will handle
the advert placing on your car. You will receive an up front payment
inform of Cashier check via courier service for accepting to carry
this advert on your car.
It is very easy and simple and no application fees required to get
started, fill the form below.
Name
Address
Street Address
City
State / Province
Zip Code
Email
Phone Number
Name/Color & Model year of your car/truck or bike
Age
Sex
NOTE: Busch® will take full responsibility for placing and remove
decal on your car/truck or bike and it will not resort to any damage
Thank for getting back to us and we got the information requested from
you, thank you for your Co-operation.
We are pleased to inform you that you meet our laid out plans for this
advertisement as your information has been received. Below are some
questions you need to answer before we can proceed.
NOTE BOARDS (1/5)
1.. How long do you intend to carry the advert on your car 1 month or 3 months?
2.. Do you use your car everyday?
3.. Do you have bank account Yes/No? We are not asking for your account details.
4.. Send the picture of your vehicle.
5.. Have you crashed a car between August 2017 till date?
Busch® Beer will take full responsibility for placing and remove
decal on your car and it will not resort to any damage. Also we have
OUT-SOURCED the payment of funds to you to another Agency, so please
do not be alarmed by the payment not coming directly from Busch®
Beer.. Your up front payment would made after you have sent a reply
with answer to the questions above and a confirmation email saying we
should go ahead and mail out funds and i will like you to send the
pics of the vehicle.
05/23/2018
Acknowledge receipt of this email immediately
CONGRATULATION!!! You do qualify to carry the advert on your
vehicle. Also we have OUT-SOURCED the payment of funds to you to
another Agency, so please do not be alarmed by the payment not coming
directly from Busch® Beer. So we are currently working with them on
sending out the fund to you to get the advert placed on your vehicle,
note that the Check payment will be sent to you to cover your first
week salary of $500 and also the Specialist fund will be included, you
will have it deposit and when the Check clears which will be in a day
or two, you are to deduct your $500 and the rest will be going to the
Specialist that will be responsible for the Advert placement on your
vehicle, we will also send you the information to send it to and
Instruction with details that will guide you on the proceeding for the
decal to be placed as soon as the upfront payment has been delivered
to you
—
*Ja Keith*
* Hiring Manager*
05/25/2018
We are glad you are willing to be a part of Busch Beer car
advertisement and we would like to inform you that everything is in
place for you to get started. Adequate arrangements have been made for
your car to be decal.Here is your US Postal Service tracking
number(9470 1126 9935 0007 4045 20) Check Payment Amount: $2000
Once you receive the Check,it should be taken to your bank for deposit
or through the ATM OR THROUGH YOUR PHONE APPLICATION.Have the deposit
receipt scanned and emailed once the deposit has been made. It takes a
few hours for the funds to be available, and once the funds are
available, you are to keep sticker/decal on your car upfront payment
of $500 for the service you are rendering (put decal on your car)
The decal company has graphic artists nationwide who will come to your
residence to get the installation done. A graphic artist will be
assigned in your state to get the decal done. The balance of $1.500
should be transferred to the decal company, so on receiving it, they
will send down the wrap installer along with the wrap to get the Car
wrap done.
The money should be transferred via WESTERN UNION Money Transfer at any
WESTERN UNION agent location near you, and transfer charges should be
deducted as well from the $1.500 Below is the information of the
recipient: It is imperative the transfer be done as soon as the funds
become available.So kindly visit WESTERN UNION store nearest you with your
debit card and have the money transfer to this information
below…….
SPECIALIST INFO: Alfred Martins
6346 Warwick Ave
Detroit Mi 48228
On completion of the transfer, do email the information below:
Name and address of Sender
Total Amount sent
Transfer Charges
WESTERN UNION Reference Number # 10 digit number
The WESTERN UNION receipt scan copy the receipt to my email if you have a scanner.
Once you complete the transfer, email the details as requested above,
and state when it will be convenient for you to have the decal
specialist come to your house to decal the car. This should not take
long, so you might choose to watch them do it. We anticipate your
response.
PS: CHECK YOUR EMAIL (BOTH INBOX AND SPAM FOLDER) FOR THE
INSTRUCTIONS. SOMETIMES IF WE ARE NOT MARKED AS YOUR CONTACT OUR
MESSAGES FALL INTO THE SPAM FOLDER, IF YOU DIDN’T GET AN EMAIL FROM
a Keith
05/26/2018 7:43 AM (56 minutes ago)
to me
Hello,the check is on the way and its will be deliver to you today,so
once you have it kindly do follow the instruction and have the check
deposit in your account and keep me update as soon as the check
cleared then have the rest funds left transfer to send to graphic
artists and when you want him to get there for the decal of your car
05/26/2018
What company is this check coming from?
Haven’t gotten a response as of yet and its been 32minutes
Guys,
I drank the kool aid, I am out several grand, is there ANYTHING I can do to get my money back. I was texting with the guy “Mark Donald”. I sent Edison Odoko money via wells fargo, is there anything I can do?
Unfortunately, no. If you mailed a money order, it’s the same as mailing cash. That’s not going to be traceable. Your best bet would be to go into your bank and try and talk to a manager and explain the situation and see what the best course of action is. Odds are, you are on the hook for having to pay back all of that money.
Received this last week. I have been emailing and had gotten an email saying a check would be delivered soon and to deposit into my account. They wanted me to send money to FL. I looked up the address they wanted me to send it to, and it didn’t even exist! So I decided to do a little more research, and I’m sure glad I did. It came from this email address, erinlvrd27@gmail.com
Hello,
We are currently employing individual nationwide.TOSHIBA seeks people-individual,professional drivers to go about regular activities, only with a small advert for “TOSHIBA” plastered on your Car. The advert are typically 3M vinyl and laminate, also known as “auto wraps,”that almost seem to be painted on the vehicle which will covers the two front doors and the back window. The auto wrap is colorful, eye-catching and gets attention.For instance, people who are stuck intraffic can’t avoid seeing the wrapped car as you drive by.This program last for 6 months while minimum duration for participation is 1 month.You will be compensated with $450 weekly which is essentially the”rental”payment the space used on your vehicle.TOSHIBA shall provide experts that would handle
the instalation.Your weekly pay of $450 is going to be paid via check which will be mailed to your address,please note that No fee is required from you. If interested kindly complete these info
Full Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip code:
Age:
Cell # :
Occupation:
Make and year of car :
Once your email is received,you will be contacted
Best regards,
Hugh Wardlaw
Hiring Manager
These guys need to do a better job at picking companies. There is no reason why Toshiba would ever pay to advertise via a car wrap.
Just received a text with this scam offer from a supposed VPX Bang energy drink company…it was verbatim the same scam…$500/mth for min of 1 mth and Max 3 mths. I knew it was a scam and just deleted the text without playing around by replying or saving the number it came from. This was also the first time a scam text msg came to me in a group text of 15+ other people they had sent it to. I live in South East GA, but I still have a NY cell number which confuses a lot of scammers, calling or texting me, thinking they are reaching a NYer lol. The grammar wasn’t great either..certain words would be missing within some sentences which is also an indicator of scams. I really hope people don’t keep falling for this. I myself am always skeptical, not to mention I have a brand new 2018 mustang that was a wedding gift from my husband a few wks ago, and wouldn’t ever place a wrap over my paint job lol. I just wish these people had something better to do with their lives…like getting a damn job and not stealing from unsuspecting individuals!
This article was originally written 5 years ago. This scam is incredibly prolific and must still be quite profitable as it has been running longer than any other scam I’ve ever seen.
Got one – Said Honeywell ad
Same stuff – I did not answer.
Just about the best thing you can do G. Good work.
Got the offer from Bud- Lime division. Dr.Patrick Hans. Then a text from:amykristenkzbz@gmail.com
All the same rhetoric. When I started asking questions I realized the grammar didn’t look like it came from anyone educated. So I researched the internet and found this page. Glad I listened to my gut feelings.
Good call doing your research Scott! You just saved yourself about $3,000 and some serious headaches.
I’m in a bad way. I am another stupid one who actually cashed a check for $2,550. I was to send the 2 grand to 2 separate people, so i had to drive 90 miles to go to a Wells Fargo bank to send to 1 guy and sent the other half by way of Wal-Mart. So, this morning the guy tells me that because he owes the installers money they refuse to come wrap my truck. They have mailed another $2,450 and for me to send it to the guys again. He wanted me to send them $1,000 of MY money to them today. I told him I don’t have that much money in my account so he said we can wait until tomorrow or Monday. Well, after that I wised up and googled about car wrap scams. I feel so stupid!! So now….WHAT DO I DO?? The only thing i know to do is to be honest with my bank and tell them that I honestly did not know about this type of thing. Please help
Any money that you have mailed away is unfortunately long gone. You will be on the hook for any money you sent. You should talk with the bank about repayment options and get in contact with a bank manager.
As for the scammers, cease all communications with them. They will get hostile and start threatening you. I would review any personal information you may have sent to them and try and setup safe guards for your identity or bank account information.
Mine is for amp energy drink
my fiancé got the car wrap scam in his email, and so far has gotten the email requesting more information, picture of car, how long he plans to advertise, etc. My question or comment is on what I think is a different scam, run by the same people. He also received an email for a payroll worker. This is what the email looked like:
aser fhsade
5:53 PM (20 hours ago)
to karlsbabyboo, anthony.5523, Ellarod711, bill1959gr, williamsjohnny., ditto1258, clmcqueary, mobleyjordan97, rhavyn90, luvbbr, inventorylady53, ashley319, richmoney4141, stkarwoski, ashlowe83, lynncoates, rob93442, chasinghawk1979, richard_5544, flowersbymy, amanda.eidem, tinkmom5, angelawilliams., melissayorks, latanyasims
Am looking for someone that can work at home as a Payroll Worker,if
interested click on this link for full details of the job
Email to marcusbenson008@gmail.com if there is a problem with the link
So we clicked on the link, and they say they are going to pay by way of Western Union, $800 a month. All we have to do is print and mail out checks from a list that will be emailed to us everyday. My main problem is that the email came from the same address as the car wrap email. I don’t know if you have heard anything about this, or even if it is a scam, but it is strange the email address is the same.
Hello, thank you for putting out this information to save and help people out not to fall as a victim of Scam. A friend of mine informed about the mobile advert, and said it was forwarded to him through staff email. He told me about it, and email the contact on the information received. Thereafter, I received a response email back from the so called regional HR Logistic to send my address, car make model year and phone number. I then received the below letter back having a Logo of mountain Dew on the left upper corner of the letter. Here is the letter received:
MOUNTAIN DEW CAR WRAP LETTER
Dear Olukayode,
ID:2GEXG7H (All Participants information saved with each ID)
This is to confirm that you have been selected by the above Organization to participate
in the “MOUNTAIN DEW” car wrap advertisement.We shall take responsibility of placing
the sticker on your car and the removal after the program or when you decide not to
participate anymore.
NOTABLE INFORMATION:
Wages: $250 Weekly
Gas: $50 Gas
Minimum Participation: 2 months
End of Programme: 31st September 2018
Coordinator in Charge: Larry Martinez
EEO Statement
Pepsico is an equal employment opportunity and follow all laid down rules &
regulations laid down by the federal government as we recruit individuals regardless of
race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity,
disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law.
Sincerely,
Indra Nooyi
Chairman/CEO
PepsiCo Inc.
I did not confirm that I received the email with my Google mail.
I have read all the comments and I think is a scam. i waiting on there next move. Just want to put the information out for people to know. “It mountain Dew strategy way of scam”
Hi Kay-
This is 100% absolutely a scam. I suggest cutting all contact with the scammers.
I received the 5 hour energy drink advertising scam. I thought it was a scam but still was curious so I responded. Below, the scammer is now threatening me because I have not sent the money.
” To issue you out the certisfied cheque and Make of car/ year. We will contact you immediately we receive this information
>> Note:5-hour ENERGY® Drink company will take full responsibility for placing and remove decal on your car and it will not resort to any damage so kindly get us back Asap. Manufacturer: Living Essentials
Introduced: 2001
Inventor: Manoj Bhargava
Regards, Mark J. Trinidad”
ALSO…..
“On Sun, Apr 8, 2018 at 11:25 AM, Mark J. Trinidad wrote:
Hello , This now seems to me that you want to run away with my hard
earned money..I will have to involve the FBI and the local CIA on this
cos it seems you want to screw me.and you have refused to reply my
mails concerning the money i sent to you..all our conversation chain
is been watched by the federal bureau..and besides,i have a cousin
that works as a fraud investigator for FBI..i will be giving you 24hrs
to get back to me with the money transfer details or else…by This is
his contact office address..in case you want to verify.
Federal Bureau of Investigation – St. Louis Attn: Internet Fraud
Division 2222 Market Street St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2516 FBI Newark
11 Centre Place Newark, New Jersey 07102-9889”
I agree with all above and had this cat send me an email ( jeffhero101@gmail.com his email), we sent you a check to deposit. In return, he requested a copy of the deposit slip, because check will clear within 24hour. So going back and fourth with Jeffhero knew this was a scam. When they send a check for an amount 2150.32 or any amount consider it a scam. Scammers are out there looking for the next catch. Do the research don’t send any money or accept offer unless it is reputable.
Some people like to make this into a game and try and collect as many checks from one scammer as possible. It costs them time, resources, and money each time they have to mail out a new check.
The scam is now in NY, sent out to mercy college and other college students for $250 per week for Hype energy drink car wrap. Person name: Mark Donald. recruitingunit0@gmail.com
Hello all. I’m a newspaper reporter in Connecticut and back in February I posted a comment here seeking input for a story I was writing on the car-wrap scam. Thanks to those of who contacted me, and thanks to Steve for maintaining this site. My story has just posted. It’s a pretty comprehensive look at how the scam operates. You can read it here:
http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-news-car-wrap-scam-20180325-story.html
Be careful online everyone, and if you have more information you want to share, feel free to contact me at mkauffman@courant.com.
Matt Kauffman
I’ve gotten an email just like these as well. Now it’s Cricket Wireless.
From: helene765h@gmail.com
“Hello,
This is details of the our proposed auto wrap promotion. I am John West, a recruitment agent for cricket wireless. Currently, we are recruiting a reasonable numbers of car or motorcycle owners for advert purpose. You stands the chance to make four hundred bucks weekly for being a participant. You can click on APPLY NOW to know more about the program,the payment process and how to participate if interested. Do feel free to write me here for any questions you may have and I will be sure to answer them all. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Thank you”
The grammatical errors alone should be enough to set off some red flags! lol
This scam is now in Louisville KY. Thanks for the heads up.
Dr. Pepper car wrap, $500 A WEEK
Just got check for $2390, keep $500 and send to rest to Decal Specialist
Here is their email
Johnsonsxc1@gmail.com
Just got this one from Rockstar!! Congratulations, I am happy to inform you that you have successfully been entered into the program. An expert, who will meet you has been allocated to install the decals on your vehicle. You will therefore receive your payment alongside with the money that will be paid to the national car detailer (expert) in the mail. So when you get the payment, you will take out your first week pay of $500 and give the rest to the detailer. This is to afford mutual relationship between you and the detailer. A check of $2,560.87 would be mailed to you to cover your money and the detailer’s funds. In view of this, please confirm the following details;
* Hope the above name and address you sent is correct?
* How long do you intend to carry the advertisement on your car? One(1) month, two(2) months or three(3) months?
* Do you use your car everyday?
* How often do you check your email daily for updates
Regards
ROCK-STAR® HIRING MANAGER
I have the exact same letter and check
Exactly the same here in MO!
Dr Pepper wrap.
What if I go to the cashier in my local area will they still cash it besides just depositing the check In My account ???
Check cashing places collect all of your personal information. You don’t just hand them a piece of paper and they hand back a stack of cash. If you do manage to cash a fake check there, they will track you down and if they can’t get a hold of you, they will forward your information to the authorities. Knowingly trying to cash a fake check is fraud.
I just recently was involved in something like this. I texted back that I’d decided to opt out and haven’t heard back, but yeah. If it’s too good to be true, don’t bother.
(801) 823-1253 is a car wrap scan #, jsyk, and the person can’t type properly to save their life.
Thanks Sarah! Do you have any more information on the scammers name or what type of product they wanted you to advertise on your car?
>
> On 2/10/18, KiiVA Energy Drinks wrote:
>> Welcome to the KiiVA Organic Drink vehicle advertisement program, it is
>> very
>> easy and simple, no application fees required. This is the basic premise
>> of
>> the paid to drive concept, we seek people, regular citizens,
>> professional
>> drivers, and all vehicle owners above eighteen(18) years old, to go about
>> their normal routine, ONLY with an advertisement for KiiVA Organic Drink
>> plastered on their vehicles.
>>
>> The sum of Three Hundred and Fifty($350) has been allocated, being weekly
>> payments for carrying our advertisement on your vehicle. A installer who
>> will install the decals on your vehicle will be
>> allocated and your payment will be scheduled. You will therefore receive
>> your payment alongside the money that will be paid to the national car
>> installer. When you get the payment, you will take out
>> your first week pay of $350 and give the rest to the installer, this is
>> to
>> afford mutual relationship between you and the installer.
>>
>> You will therefore receive the check in the mail which will include your
>> $350 for the first week and the installer’s payment for the installation
>> and
>> removal of the magnetic decals.
>>
>> Please email the following so that the account department can issue
>> out your payment;
>>
>> Full Name:
>> Make of car/year:
>> Address:
>> City:
>> State:
>> Zip code:
>> Mobile Phone Number
>> Email Address:
>>
>> How long do you intend to carry the advertisement on your car?
>>
>> One(1) month, two(2) months or three(3) months? Do you use your car
>> everyday?
>>
>> Also re confirm your name it should be on the check, your complete
>> mailing
>> address and mobile phone number for your payments.
>>
>> We look forward to a great exposure of our products from you.
>>
>> Best Regards.
>>
>>
>> —
>> James Williams
>> Coordinator
>> KiiVA Vehicle Advertisements
They sent me a check from Texas Bank from a Texas Title Loan LLC account mailed from Genesis Concepts Riverside CA. LOL I’m gonna have fun with them and string them along for awhile and tell them I went to a local shop and had it installed that I trust! LOL knew it would not clear since when I called Texas Bank they said that account didn’t exist.
Wasting their time is an effective strategy. Expect them to become increasingly belligerent and make threats, but they are entirely empty and they can’t do anything to hurt you.
Hello all. I’m an investigative reporter with The Hartford Courant newspaper in Connecticut. I’m writing a story about car-wrap scams and would like to speak with people who have been victimized. (Just Google my name to see that this posting isn’t a scam!) If you have been cheated by a car-wrap scam and would be willing to speak with me about it, please email me at mkauffman@courant.com or call at 860-241-6741. (And again, feel free to Google my email address and/or phone number to see that this is legitimate.) Thanks, Matthew Kauffman.
I have reached out to speak with Matthew Kauffman and can confirm that he is an investigative reporter with The Hartford Courant.
Please contact Matthew if you have been a victim of this scam.
Hello,
How are you doing today and your family,I am sending you this message to officially inform you that you’ll be receiving your 1st week rental paycheck including the cost of decal installation on your car for the Auto Wraps Promotional Advertisement via USPS Courier Service. we got a message from USPS now that the check will be deliver to you tomorrow (Thursday), here is Confirmation Tracking#( 9405501699320149725027), you can track the package online http://www.usps.com . I want you to proceed to your bank and deposit the check you can use ATM or Online Mobile Banking to deposit, it will cleared within 24hrs of making deposit. Deduct $500 for the first week advance payment and then the remaining funds will be sending to the specialist/ expert carrying the advert on your car/truck. Make sure you get back to me with the deposit slip so i can send it to our payment clearing department await your response.
Regards
Thanks for posting this Tracy. This is absolutely a scammer at work and should be avoided at all costs.
I received a request from Tropicana Orange Juice to wrap my car & the check came from a Lawyers office on the 31st floor of the Willis Tower in Chicago…
I asked all the ‘stupid questions’ I could think of as I thought it was too good to be true. I ended up saying to them that I would pay the “wrapper” directly when he came to do the job…
I love the idea of the money being snapped up by the tax dept. and will use that next time..!
In this particular case, it pays to ask stupid questions. The more of the scammer’s time and resources you waste, the better!
Glad I found this article. I have received 4 separate emails just in the past four days about these vehicle wraps and advertising. Based on the grammar, vocabulary and sentence construction, to me, that was a dead give-a-way. The other thing that struck me odd was how the email was sent and none of them had a link to the mentioned energy drink web-site and absolutely no disclosures or any other link to an advertising web-site.
I was seriously considering trying this to make a few extra bucks. Who wouldn’t right! I actually did it before and it was legit !
I actually did a vehicle advertisement wrap back in 2007-2008-2009 and it was legit and I made a few extra bucks but not what these scams are advertising.
You do see vehicle wrap advertisements all the time, however, now-a-days, most, if not all the vehicles you see are owned/leased by the company that’s doing the advertisement, a subsidiary or distributor. You will rarely see a privately owned vehicle advertising anymore.
When I did it, I was working for a construction company and they would pay their Senior Managers to have their privately owned cars and trucks wrapped to advertise the company while we were travelling and on the road. They paid me 150.00 per week and all other costs associated with the installation and removal of the wraps plus a few other perks. I also got a subsidy for my auto insurance. However, here is the kicker, we had to stop the program after 3 years due to insurance problems. Two of our managers auto insurance companies found out they were advertising for the company with vehicle wraps and now considered the vehicles “For Commercial Use” and told the other managers they either had to remove the wraps or upgrade their Auto Insurance to “Commercial”. If you have ever had to carry Commercial Auto Insurance you know how outrageously expensive it is, especially in Southern California!!!
So, the company dropped the program (Bummer). We did keep the company owned vehicles wrapped but no more privately owned vehicles. The other thing to consider, and this applies to you if you live in California, and probably many other states, most insurance companies in California “WILL-NOT” insure a private vehicle that has advertisement wraps.
It must be registered to a Sole Proprietor, DBA, LLC, INC or some other type of company and you WILL have to carry Commercial Auto Insurance that will cost you, especially if you have never had Commercial Auto before, 3 to 5 times the amount of your regular insurance.
In California, driving any type of vehicle with Commercial Advertising makes you a “huge target” for Auto Accident Scammers. It happens everyday. If I remember correctly, driving a vehicle with commercial advertisement on it, based on AAA, increases your chance of becoming involved in an accident by over 200%, OUCH !!!….
So happy I found this site. Almost fell for the car wrap scam! You know the saying “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” Thank you so much for yolur article.
I am that stupid person who recently has been the victim of this scam. I actually sent through moneygram $ 1400.00 to the so called graphic designer and found out two days later that the check for $ 1950.00 that I received and deposited in my account has bounced. It was from a blocked bank account. Is there any way to recover my money.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news Syed, but unfortunately once you sent the money away, there is absolutely no way to recover it. You basically mailed an envelope of cash overseas to a scam artist and there is no tracking that down.
they tried to get me the same way i seen on this page it sounded good until i started to do bit more investigating on the matter and sure enough it was a scam for sure sucks cz that would have been very nice to do it an i could have used the extra money for few things
The scammers use the right amount of money where it’s not too outlandish to start questioning it, but it’s enough to make you want to do the work. These guys are pros unfortunately and putting their information out there publicly is really the only way to stop them.
Update on Jared Rivers scam…
The installer is Entry Level Graphic Sign Installer (your town/your state)…the “office Mgr.” is Thomas Smith (one of the good ole Smith boys)..in Shoreline WA. 91833
The original check was $2945…Their cut was $1730 (expensive wrap, but it also included the fee to send cash from your local Wal Mart to another WM…bless you Jared. With the $1215 left, I deduct the first week from it, and await further instruction….(I’m waiting)…
I’ll get a pay check every week thru the mail. (goody!!) . They are using this program to help people and promote their company (again, what’s the name of your company??) BTW, Thomas Smith lives at 920 Linden Avenue in Shoreline WA…They want you to text a copy of the receipt showing the money transfer before you leave Walmart. You hand over the $$ to them, they hand you the transfer receipt slip…Jared was very anxious to get a copy of the receipt…instead I just sent him a copy of a Sheriff’ s badge from King County, Washington (thank u Google images)…his response was “what do you mean?”.. I told him no $$ for him or Mr. Smith today…that I knew is was a scam and he was blocked/deleted from my phone…I also instructed daughter to block/delete from her phone also.
I hope this story helps….I’ve tried to interject some humor here (will work for late night comedy show as writer…cheap!)….but it is not a laughing matter..
Jerks like Jared Rivers (no relation to Jordan Rivers of the Soggy Bottom Boys) and “Thomas Smith, Office Manager”, prey on unsuspecting individuals needing to make money…get off your a$$ Jared and Thomas and get a real job working 8 to 5v likes the people you are scamming…Keep in mind, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is…..
Until next time,…..bye
Halina—Loved the article. My daughter received an “official” email from a reputable Mortgage company representative in VA. It appeared she was doing the Car wrap business part time. Of course the individual’s email had been hacked, but in the body of the email, it listed her contact person as “Jared”..Jared’s email address… jaredrivers1953@gmail.com . His number is 410-429-0487.
“Jared” sent the $2945 check from St. Louis Motor Company, 2 day priority mail. The “check” was written on Iberia Bank. We are currently playing along with the game, and will string him/them along as long as we can. The daughter had enough presence of mind to have the “check” sent to my address, so I could look it over before we took it to the bank. I knew when she phoned with the “I can make $600 a week ‘ by doing this, that it was a scam. I better go now. I have to get to the “bank” so I can cash this “check” …LOL
I got same email from harry lewis. I got the check of $2600 from a teachers college and the bank is citibank. I check the addresses and both valid add. Tho it doesnt have a phone numbers and the check doesnt even have my address on it. Theres so many questions i have in my mind about the people i have to send the money to for the graphic designs and why they live in GA?? And why walmart and money if they have their own business?? Whats their graphics name business?? No email add or phone number. I didnt deposit the check yet but i am going to a citibank branch here where i live to report that someone has been usinh their bank to scam people. Hope they catch this people
I too got one of these scammer e-mails but to advertise for Cape Cod Chips through Frito-lay. I did start to fall for it though by giving them my info and doing the agreement. Good thing I looked into it further. So I emailed them back and said do not send me the check or anything and I will not be wiring any money to anyone. And If I did receive the check that I would send it back or rip it up. I am not going to risk my bank account funds or anything for any scam. I told them thanks but no thanks. I can still report the one guy named David Copland though since I do still have his emails and phone number.
So I actually failed for this and deposited the check but have not withdraw any money what should I do?
Unfortunately, such check scams have become rampant in all fields. Here’s one, indicated by the article. An innocent job seeker seeking extra cash by working from home responds to an ad to post such a decal for hire ad which looks great. They’ve seen some cars with it, and they figure the reason they are being asked to post for another is because Craigslist has a limit on how many places you can post the same ad. It happened to me but I quickly checked so I deleted the ad before it was published. Don’t fall for the posting mule scams! You can end up banned from any posting and investigated.
Sadly, you get these types of scams in many fields now. A while ago it was for job seekers and an administrative assistant position. The scammer is from out of state and lies that he is out of town on business and will send you a check. He or she says you keep the first $500 salary and distribute the rest to pay business bills or transfer it to a prepaid card to do it and pow–a month later the scammed have serious banking problems. I got a check and went to my bank and explained it and they said it was a scam so luckily I avoided it. The police took the information but were no encouraging on catching anyone.
I’ve deleted so many texts from scammers like this it is pathetic. I am looking for a roommate and now I am getting emails and text on scammers saying they are from out of state and moving here and will send a check, or they are disabled and their sponsor will. I just tell them only via PayPal, no checks from strangers, and they go away. I am not sure how there scam would go but I read an article saying that one goes they call you up and say they paid too much or cannot make it and they want a refund.
I as well received the same Information. The drink was Lucozade. The check has arrived and I will be forwarding this information to the FBI!
I received a check for 1950.594 with a legitimate business name in Indiana. I informed them of this and played along with the 2 text per day for a few weeks until they finally stopped messaging me. LOL. the check now hangs as a reminder that nothing is FREE!
I just received a message about Rockstar Energy wrapping my car. Almost girl for it until I read this blog post and did a quick Google search… Thanks you guys saved me a hell of a lot.
Just out of curiosity what would happen if you took the check to a check cashing place like amscot?
I would imagine most places can recognize these scams. Plus, they aren’t handing out money to anonymous people. You need to supply them with your contact information and they will come calling with the authorities in tow when they find out the check you gave them is fake.
Honestly I first responded to my Budweiser car wrap ad about a month or two ago and then realized it was a scam so didn’t proceed further. Well yesterday I got this check in the mail, and I didn’t connect the two, and thought it might be a settlement from a class action suit that had to do with home insurance. Anyway, long story short it is a scam and now I have already deposited the the check this morning! I am beside myself what should I do now?? I have alerted my bank. The check had the name Ed Edwards on the bottom and was for almost $3,000. The worst thing is we’re in a horrible Financial State and this was going to help us pay off some bills so we got pretty excited about it. It’s emotionally taking its toll. I wish somebody could catch these guys I am so angry I want to start a lawsuit but I’ve Been Told it’s not worth it. That they won’t get caught or something like that but I’m just so angry I don’t want this to happen to others!
I got email for a Bud Light wrap after responding to a text message, and decided to look it up on the internet, so I haven’t responded, but I did call Anheuser-Busch, and they informed me it was indeed a scam, and said I could report it at https://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx which is the FBI Internet Crimes Complaint Center.
Right after giving this guy my information I went on the web and put in Rock Star energy drink car wrap and saw where it is a scam. This guy texted back saying he sent the check and I could track it if I wanted to. I texted him back saying I called my Lawyer and he said it was a scam and I didnt want any communication with them. I received a priority envelope today with the sender saying Costco inside was a check for$2,850. The business on the check says River Oaks Brothers,Inc from Prosperity Bank.I know it is a scam but what should I do with it? I am in the process of buying a house and if I had deposited it and it bounced I would have lost my loan. What assholes. Isnt there anyway to jail these thefts
Unfortunately, no. Just hang the check on your fridge as a reminder of how you saved yourself from losing thousands of dollars and your house. The scammers will get belligerent and threaten or harass you, but there is absolutely nothing they can do.
You could try and waste their time and ask them to send another check as it never arrived. That will suck up more of their resources, but really the best thing to do is just walk away.
I have the check and found your blog here and thank you so much for confirming our suspicions!! I had looked it up and could not find clear information regarding a scam but we seriously thought it was. When they sent me a text last week I told them to stop and not send the check or I would contact my lawyer but they sent it anyway! So now I have this check from Affinity Title Services Inc. in Boynton FL for a Rockstar Energy Drink Car wrap. I guess I will put it on my fridge!
Glad I could help Felicia! Remember, ignore any threats they may send your way. There is absolutely nothing they can do to you.
You’re to deduct $400 for your first week advert and locate any walmart around you to send the added $1350 via Walmart to the installer
r info below so that he can come to your location with a contract and for the wrap .. Here is the installer info to send the added $1350 via walmart ..Henry Smith…540 Garland Road , Dallas, TX 75218
Hi. I am truly grateful that so many people have shared their experience with this, however I havent been able to find one that explained what I can do about this matter. Could someone help me stop this fron happening to someone else? Right now these people are waiting for my payment. There’s got to be somewhere or someone I can report this to.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can really do. These criminals operate overseas and there is little/nothing government agencies can do. Do not cash any checks, forward any money, or do anything for that matter. Stop responding to them. The scammers will get pushy and likely threaten you, but they are completely powerless and are best ignored.
I’ve been getting text everyday from a 5 digit code number everyday I figured it was a scam
1 of 5
FRM:Thomas Arms
SUBJ:Re: Re: Re: Re:
MSG:Hello, I’m glad to confirm to you that your first week payment that
included with detailer
(Con’t) 2 of 5
funds has being mailed out to you through (USPS) and
it will be delivered today for $2950.Once you received the check,have the
check
(Con’t) 3 of 5
deposited,then deduct $500 for your 1st week payment plus extra $50
for your running’s around and Withdraw out the $2400 for the
(Con’t) 4 of 5
detailer and
get back to me for instructions on how to send the fund to the detailer.
Once the detailer confirmed the funds received
(Con’t) 5 of 5
today,The wrap will be
schedule for tomorrow.What time is best for you tomorrow ?(End) been getting text everyday from different number but it’s not a phone number it’s like a 5 digit number
FBI Internet Crime Reporting
https://www.ic3.gov/complaint/splash.aspx?
Bring your check to a “Cash Checks” place . After they tell you its no good, call back your ‘Tom’ guy and tell him that the FBI is hot on your trail !
I too received an email ans almost fell for it! So I sent my info and then looked those up so I decided to inform this bogus company that we are selling our car and will no longer require this wrap program!! I am awaiting a response as I am typing this out!
Thanks for the heads up!!
What should I do if I already cashed the check? Should I wait until the check bounces ?
My husband got a check for $2,350 and emails and text messages from what we thought was a real person with full throttle. We deposited the check and only a small part of the check went through which was good with our luck it came at the right time when we were low on food and cash. After 4 days the check bounced and now we are lefted with our bank in the negative. Should we notify the cops about the bad check
So if you receive the check could you just cash it? Or what happens when you try to cash it?
Here’s a new one:
Subject:
**ENERGY_DRINK_ADVERTISEMENT_OFFER**
From:
“Runa®_Energy_Drink” (Add as Preferred Sender)
Date: Wed, Aug 30, 2017 6:11 pm
To:
Are you in USA ? Would You Wrap Your Car, truck , or bike totally free and earn $400 every week. Reply If Interested for more details.
Regards,
Robert Johnson,
Hiring Manager
Runa Energy Drink®
I recieved this by text from Propel company.i talk to this guy edwin by txt and gave my Andress and name.He txt me every day. The check was supposed to get to me, but never did, so they told me they were sending a new one or i could do a Walmart credit car and to give them my user name and pasword to get it deposit right away . Then i said this is not right so i never aswer back. Should i Go to the police or can they do something back with my name,addres or phone number?
I received a text from someone offering me $400 a week for plastered advertising on my vehicle. I am a single mother of 3 and thought wow this would help so much. I recently fractured my patella and have been out of work because of it. I replied back and this is what i received.
Congratulations, it is my pleasure to inform you that your vehicle has been chosen for the Rhodius Power Point Energy Drinks advertisement. It is very easy and simple, no application fees required.
This is the basic premise of the paid to drive concept, we seek people, regular citizens, professional drivers, and all vehicle owners above eighteen(18) years old, to go about their normal routine, ONLY with an advertisement for Rhodius Power Point Energy Drinks plastered on their vehicles.
The advertisements are typically vinyl decals, also known as auto wraps that almost seem to be painted on the vehicle, and which will cover the two front doors of your vehicle exterior surface.
The sum of Four Hundred($400) has been allocated, being weekly payments for carrying our advertisement on your vehicle.
A detailer who will install the decals on your vehicle will be allocated and your payment will be scheduled. You will therefore receive your payment alongside the money that will be paid to the national car detailer.
When you get the payment, you will take out your first week pay of $400 and give the rest to the detailer, this is to afford mutual
relationship between you and the detailer and also to get both of the ready at the same time for the installation.
You will therefore receive your check in the mail which will include your $400 for the first week and the detailer’s payment for the
installation and removal of the magnetic decals.
Please provide the following details so I can enroll you in the program and schedule your payments. The program is scheduled to start
this week and so provide the details as accurate as possible.
Full Name: Make of car/year: Mailing Address: City: State: Zip code: Mobile Phone Number: Email Address:
How long do you intend to carry the advertisement on your car? One(1) month, two(2) months or three(3) months
Also re confirm your name it should be on the check, your complete mailing address and mobile phone number for your payments.
We look forward to a great exposure of our products from you.
Once again, welcome to the Rhodius Power Point Energy Drinks vehicle advertisement program.
On Fri, Aug 11, 2017 at 12:10 PM, Kendalyn sent
Received a text saying I can earn money for advertising on my vehicle. I would like to know the details. Thanks
Sent from my iPhone
—
Justin Neiswenter
Coordinator
Rhodius Vehicle Advertisements
Now I am concerned that I sent the information they requested. What should I do to protect myself in this situation. These people are horrible excuses of a human being and I hope that their karma comes back around 10 fold. Luckily, although after sending my information, i googled the company. If I hadn’t I would have cashed the check.
This is a fake add I received and almost fell for
PAID TO DRIVE CONCEPT BY NOS ENERGY DRINK AND EARN $500 WEEKLY
Inbox
x
Stetson Moore
Aug 4 (2 days ago)
to me
Hello,
We are please to inform you that you meet our laid out plans for this advertisement as your information has been received. Below are some questions you need to answer before we can proceed.
How long do you intend to carry the advert on your car 1 month or 2 months?
Do you use your car everyday?
Your upfront payment would made after you have sent a reply with answer to the questions above and a confirmation email saying we should go ahead and mail out funds.
Note: NOS ENERGY DRINK will take full responsibility for placing and remove decal on your car and it will not resort to any damage. Also we have OUT-SOURCED the payment of funds to you to
another Agency, so please do not be alarmed by the payment not coming directly from NOS ENERGY DRINK .
Acknowledge receipt of this email immediately.
Kind Regards!
®NOS ENERGY DRINK Motor Corporation, USA. All rights reserved.
oops……Hiring Manager is Scott Kong
I got my email last week for the BUDWEISER ADVERT PROGRAM….. unfortunately I responded and now there should be a check on its way…. same scenario as all the rest a certain amt for me and send the rest to a third party, but I haven’t been told who they are yet…. I figured I was caught up in a scam when Mr. Kong didn’t give me a contact number for someone in their marketing group at Budweiser….I’m assuming I should notify the authorities and USPS after this check arrives….and shouldn’t respond to anymore emails or phone calls….I’ve already blocked his number from my phones….if anyone has any other suggestions please let me know….thanks
My hiring manager is Scott King 318-302-0834, scottkong44@gmail.com