Don't Fall For This Car Wrap Scam Promising You Easy Money

April 3, 2024

Have you received a message lately promising easy money if you wrap your car in an advertisement for Red Bull, Dr. Pepper or another company?

Don’t fall for it.

The Federal Trade Commission warns this is a scam, wrapped up in an advertising gimmick. While the message may seem like it comes from a legitimate company, in reality, it's just an attempt at wire fraud that could cost you hundreds (maybe even thousands) of dollars.

How the Car Wrap Scam Works

"They’ll say to use some of that money to pay the “installer” who’ll wrap your car with the ad. The scammer will also tell you how to pay the “installer:” by money order, with a payment app, with cryptocurrency, or by wiring the money — all ways that let them get the money quickly", the FTC warns.

There’s a big problem, however: the check is fraudulent, and the car wrap company doesn't exist. The check will bounce in a few weeks, and the money you wired out of your account to the supposed “car wrap company” will be gone forever. (Plus, don’t count on ever receiving the wrap for your car). 

Avoiding a Car Wrap Advertising Scam

Car wrap scammers will contact victims multiple ways, including through email, postal mail, phone calls and even social media platforms like Facebook. Often times, they will pose as representatives of legitimate companies like Budweiser or Gatorade.

However, any time you receive a message asking you to deposit a check and wire money back, it’s a scam. No matter what.

If you receive a message like this, don't respond. Instead, hang up or delete the message immediately; report it to the FTC and notify local law enforcement, along with your financial institution.

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