Are you looking for easy ways to earn extra income? The internet is flooded with opportunities, but it’s also a playground for scammers. One such scheme making rounds is the “Bud Light Car Wrap Program,” promising quick cash for simply driving around with your car wrapped in the beer brand’s logo. Sounds tempting, right? But before you jump at the offer, let’s steer into caution. A woman in Palatka, Florida, recently encountered this very program and almost got caught in a clever scam.
Nancy Cabrera, a Palatka resident, responded to an online advertisement promising payment for wrapping her car with the “Bud Light” logo. She received a check in the mail for a substantial $2,550. At first glance, it seemed legitimate. “Pretty legit,” Cabrera noted, observing the ‘original document’ watermark on the back of the check. However, discrepancies quickly surfaced. The address on the check didn’t match the return address on the FedEx envelope it arrived in, raising immediate red flags for Cabrera.
Unraveling the Car Wrap Scam
Cabrera’s instincts were right. Upon closer inspection, the accompanying documents appeared unprofessional and hastily put together. Her online research into the supposed company revealed a tangled web of inconsistencies. “There were five pages of the different variations of this company and nothing matches,” she explained. This lack of consistent information is a classic hallmark of scam operations.
Adding to her suspicion, the instructions urged her to deposit the check immediately and send proof of deposit, along with sensitive banking information. “And that once I deposit it, I need to send them a screenshot to prove the deposit and I needed to include my full name, check amount, the check number. Not sure I want to do that … send my checking information or anything of the like.” This demand for immediate action and personal financial details is a major warning sign.
The FTC’s Red Alert on Car Wrap Scams
Cabrera’s experience is unfortunately not unique. First Coast News investigated and confirmed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that this “Bud Light car wrap program” is a well-known scam. The FTC has issued warnings about these types of scams for years.
According to the FTC’s website, the scam typically unfolds as follows: Victims receive a fake check and are instructed to deposit it. They are then told to keep a portion of the money as their initial payment and wire the remaining funds to a third party, supposedly for the car wrap installation. However, weeks later, the deposited check bounces, revealing it to be fraudulent. The money wired to the “company” is lost, and the victim is left responsible for the bounced check amount.
The FTC emphasizes a crucial piece of advice: “Do your due diligence, do not be fooled. Do not go ahead and deposit anything into your accounts without checking everything out first.” This highlights the importance of verifying the legitimacy of any such offers before taking any action.
Legitimate Car Wrap Advertising vs. Scams: Spotting the Difference
While the “Bud Light car wrap program” described is a scam, it’s important to note that legitimate car wrap advertising opportunities do exist. Real companies do pay individuals to advertise on their vehicles. However, the crucial difference lies in the payment process and communication.
Red flags of a car wrap scam include:
- Unsolicited offers: Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages offering car wrap opportunities, especially if they sound too good to be true.
- Checks and wiring money: Legitimate companies will not send you a check and ask you to wire a portion of it back. This is the hallmark of this specific scam.
- Pressure to act fast: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to prevent victims from thinking clearly or doing their research.
- Poor communication and unprofessional documents: Scam communications are often riddled with grammatical errors, inconsistencies, and lack professional polish.
- Requests for personal financial information upfront: Legitimate companies will not need your banking details before any work is performed.
Legitimate car wrap programs typically:
- Involve established and reputable companies: Research the company offering the program. Look for online reviews and verify their contact information.
- Have a clear and professional application process: Legitimate programs will have a formal application and vetting process.
- Pay you directly after the service is rendered: Payment is usually made after the car wrap is installed and verified, not upfront via a check requiring you to send money back.
Protecting Yourself from Car Wrap Scams
To avoid falling victim to car wrap scams, remember these key steps:
- Be skeptical of unsolicited offers.
- Never deposit checks and wire money back.
- Research the company thoroughly.
- Do not provide personal financial information upfront.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
If you believe you have been targeted by a car wrap scam, report it immediately to the FTC. You can file a complaint online at the FTC’s website to help protect yourself and others from these deceptive schemes. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and drive safely, scam-free!
