Car wrapping scams might seem like an easy way to make money, but they often end up costing victims more than they bargained for. 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently issued a consumer alert warning people about these fraudulent schemes, urging caution to avoid falling victim to them.

The Deceptive Offer

Scammers typically approach individuals with enticing offers to pay them for wrapping their cars with ads for well-known brands like Monster Energy or Pepsi. They promise weekly payments ranging from $600 to $700, making the deal seem lucrative. However, the reality is far from what it seems.

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The Scam Unravels

Once victims accept the offer, they receive a check from the scammer, usually for an amount much higher than agreed upon. The scammer instructs them to deposit the check, keep their share of the money, and use the excess to pay for the car wrap installation. 

Often, the payment is requested through methods like payment apps, cryptocurrency, or bank transfers.

The Trap Revealed

Although the deposited check may initially appear to be clear, it can take banks weeks to detect that it's fake. By the time the fraud is uncovered, victims have already sent the scammer the requested payment. They're then left to repay the bank for the deposited amount while the scammer disappears with the money.

One sign that you should immediately spot if it's a car wrap check scam is if the letter has grammatical errors. It's easy to see this through typos bizarre insertion of symbols and even awkward spaces.

Who's at Risk?

While these scams often target college students seeking extra income, scammers are opportunistic and may approach anyone with promises of easy money. Aside from the early red flag, others have erroneous and inconsistent email signatures and requests to deposit checks quickly to initiate the scam.

Spotting the Signs

Victims of car wrapping scams often share similar experiences, such as receiving overpayments, fake checks, and urgent requests to deposit funds. Legitimate companies would directly pay for car wrapping services rather than asking individuals to cover the costs themselves.

It is essential to remain vigilant and skeptical of suspicious offers that seem too good to be true. By familiarizing yourself with the tactics used by scammers and trusting your instincts, you can avoid falling victim to car-wrapping scams and protect yourself from financial loss.

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