Car wrap programs can seem like an easy way to earn extra income by simply advertising a brand on your vehicle. However, not all offers are legitimate. Recently, a woman named Lin Morrison in Buffalo, N.Y., almost fell victim to a Mountain Dew Car Wrap Program scam, highlighting the importance of vigilance against such schemes. This article will delve into how this scam works and what you can do to protect yourself.
Lin Morrison, who uses a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis, was excited about an offer that promised her $500 a week to advertise Mountain Dew on her car. The offer, which she found incredibly appealing, stated she would receive $2,000 over four weeks for simply driving around with a Mountain Dew car wrap. To initiate the process, Morrison received a check for $4,980 and was instructed to deposit it, then wire $2,000 back to the company for the supposed “car wrap” costs. The remaining amount would be hers to keep.
Luckily, before Morrison proceeded, her son intervened, recognizing the hallmarks of a classic fake check scam. The scheme relies on the fact that while banks may make funds from deposited checks available quickly, it can take longer for the check to fully clear. Scammers exploit this window, hoping victims will send them money before the bank identifies the check as fraudulent and bounces it. In Morrison’s case, had she sent the $2,000, she would have been liable for that amount when the initial check inevitably bounced, resulting in a significant financial loss.
This Mountain Dew car wrap program scam is a variation of a broader issue. Scammers often use the names of well-known brands like Mountain Dew to appear legitimate and trustworthy. They bank on the appeal of these brands to lure in unsuspecting individuals. Promises of easy money for minimal effort, like simply driving your car, are red flags. Legitimate car wrap advertising opportunities do exist, but they typically involve established companies and clear, verifiable contracts, not upfront payments from dubious checks.
To avoid falling victim to similar scams, be extremely cautious of any unsolicited offers, especially those involving checks and requests to wire back a portion of the funds. Always verify the legitimacy of the company offering the car wrap program. A quick online search for “[Company Name] scam” can often reveal warnings and complaints. Never deposit a check and send money back to a company you are unfamiliar with, especially if the offer seems too good to be true. Remember Lin Morrison’s experience and share this information to help protect others from these deceptive schemes.
