04/03/2024: Steer Clear of Car Wrap Scams

Have you ever seen an ad that offers you money quick, in return for wrapping your car with an ad and driving it around? This sounds like a great way to make easy money, but these offers are often scams.

What is a Car Wrap Scam?

Scammers typically target students who are seeking a way to make some money. Whether you reach out to them, or they reach out to you, the scammer will usually follow the same steps. If you agree to wrap your car, the scammer will send you a text or email with a check.

This check is for you to pay to have your car wrapped. They will tell you how to pay the installer with a money order, payment app, cryptocurrency, or wiring the money. This allows them to receive money quickly.

However, the catch is that the check they gave you is a fake. Which means the money you sent the installer is coming directly from you.

How to Spot a Car Wrap Scam

You might find these offers on job sites or on social media. It is possible that someone might also send you a message on a job site or social media.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), these signs are a way to spot a car wrap scam.

  • Receiving messages that urge you to deposit a check.
  • The company reaching out tells you that you need to pay the installer. A legitimate company would pay the installer themselves.
  • The company is asking you to advertise on behalf of popular brands. This kind of offer would normally come from the brands themselves. Make sure to research the companies that are making you these offers.

Reporting a Scam

Anytime that someone pressures you to deposit a check and tells you to send the money back, it is a scam.

If you have been a victim of a car wrap scam, you can file a report at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/.

 

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