The Car Wrap Scam

In December 2019, the FTC put out an article on the “Car Wrap Scam“. This scam is popular with college students who are often looking for ways to make money. We have witnessed this scam at multiple local colleges.

The scam works by a communication, usually an email, with an offer to make around $250 – $350 a week for adding a decal to your car. Sounds like easy money, you already drive your car so why not?

The scammer wins you over with the story, usually an advertisement decal with professional installation and removal from your car when the term is over. Here is what happens if you agree.

The scammer asks for your personal information, they then mail you a check right away. The check is for your full payment upfront! and the decal install cost.

The scammer instructs you to send the extra monty to the decal installer and provides instructions on where to send. You cash the check, a small portion clears but it is enough to cover the decal.

You use that money and send it to the decal installer, they are supposed to come to your location and install at your convenience. Sounds pretty easy!

The scam is over, you sent the money to the scammer. The check does not clear with your bank, you have to pay the bank back all of the money you lost.

You can report scams like these to FTC.gov/complaint.