The Update

Beware Car-Wrap Scams!

The fake-check scam is a tried-and-true scheme with dozens of variations. One such variation, the car-wrap scam, has recently become more widespread and successful.

Known Brands

In this scam, well-known “brands” post ads or send mass emails promising consumers generous compensation for allowing the company to use their car as advertising space. The consumer simply needs to have their vehicle shrink-wrapped with an ad for the company to be generously paid around $500 a week.

Unfortunately, the ad is bogus. When the victim is awarded their first “paycheck,” it will be made out for an amount far larger than what was promised. Alternatively, the victim will be supplied with the funds to pay the car-wrapper; only the amount on the check is a lot larger than necessary. In both scenarios, the victim will be instructed to cash the check and mail back the surplus to the sender. You can probably guess the ending: The check will not clear and the victim will never see that money again.

Like every successful scam, this one tries to bait its victims with the promise of easy money. Luckily, there are loads of red flags here to alert you to the fact that you’re looking at a scam.

Spelling Errors

First, the ad will be written poorly and riddled with spelling errors. This should immediately tip you off to its shady intent.

High Compensation

Another clue is the ridiculously high compensation being offered for essentially renting out your vehicle for an alleged company to use as advertising space. You know what they say about things that are too good to be true …

If you fall for the scam, you can still pull out when you get your first check. Legitimate companies do not mistakenly “overpay” you and then ask you to refund the change. If you receive a check that matches this description, rip it up and cut off all contact with the sender.

It’s equally important to note that many of these car-wrap scams are being pulled off in the name of well-known beverage companies like Monster Energy, Pepsi and Red Bull. Most of these companies have confirmed that they do not run any programs like the one promoted in the scam.

If you spot a car-wrap scam, be sure to warn your friends and file a complaint with the FTC (ftc.gov).

Personal Identity Theft Assistance for RGCU Members

If you - as an RGCU member -  have fraud in your account, look into your debit and credit benefits. RGCU card holders have personal identity theft assistance. If your identity has been stolen, you could be reimbursed up to $5,000 to help with identity recovery. This is a way that we want to help our members, especially during a confusing and stressful time. 

Fraud is never fun, but taking immediate and decisive action can help mitigate the damage, as well as speed up the recovery process.