‘Car wrap’ scams heat up with the weather
As temperatures rise, so do the number of scams targeting people looking to make a little extra cash.
The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to steer clear of fraudulent offers to wrap their car, truck, or boat with advertising for popular brands.
These scams often promise quick, easy money — but can leave victims out thousands of dollars.
“Scammers know people are looking for side gigs, especially in warmer months,” said Steve Bernas, president and CEO of BBB of Chicago and Northern Illinois. “They’ll send a text or post an ad claiming a major brand will pay you hundreds of dollars a week to wrap your vehicle in advertising. It sounds like a great deal — until it’s not.”
Here’s how the scam works
You’re asked to fill out a form to apply. Soon after, a “representative” contacts you with instructions. They send you a cashier’s check to cover the wrap installation, and you’re told to deposit it and then pay a local installer via Venmo or Cash App.
But the check is fake.
It may appear to clear at first, but once your bank discovers it’s counterfeit, you’re responsible for the full amount — often thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, the scammer disappears with your money.
One victim reported to BBB Scam Tracker:
“They told me to deposit the check and pay someone on Venmo once it cleared. I sent $3,500. No one ever came to wrap my car. When I followed up, they kept making excuses.”
Tips to avoid such scams:
• Be skeptical of unsolicited job offers, especially those that sound too good to be true.
• Never deposit checks from strangers and send money back — it’s a classic scam tactic.
• Verify the company independently before engaging. Contact the brand directly using official contact information.
• Use secure payment methods and avoid peer-to-peer apps for business transactions with unknown parties.
If you’ve spotted a scam (whether or not you’ve lost money), report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report exposes scammer tactics. Sign up for BBB’s free consumer newsletter, BBB Edge, at BBB.org/ChicagoBuzz. Visit BBB.org or follow us @ChicagoBBB on social media. Look for the BBB seal, The Sign of a Better Business.