Have you ever thought about offsetting car expenses, or even making extra income, just by driving your car? Car wrap advertising sounds like an appealing opportunity, but it’s crucial to be aware of scams, especially those circulating online promising lucrative deals like the “Reign Energy Drink Car Wrap Program.” Before you jump at the chance to get your car wrapped, let’s delve into how these scams work and how to spot and avoid them, particularly focusing on the Reign Energy Drink angle.
Natasha Forte, a rideshare driver, knows firsthand the allure of car wrap advertising. She legitimately earns money by wrapping her Chevy Trax with ads for a local law firm. “I have had three assignments with wraps,” she shares, confirming that genuine car wrap opportunities exist. However, her journey to finding a legitimate deal was filled with navigating through numerous scams.
Forte recounts her near miss with an energy drink car wrap scam. “I found this link to Reign Body Fuel energy drink,” she explains, “that was offering a car decal program that was paying $700 a week.” The high pay was enticing, but alarm bells should have been ringing. She signed up and soon received a FedEx envelope containing a check for almost $4,000. The instructions were to deposit the check and then contact individuals who would handle the car wrapping.
This is where the scam becomes apparent. Forte was asked to withdraw cash and hand it to a courier. Something felt wrong, and she wisely stopped the process. This intuition saved her from becoming a victim of a classic car wrap scam.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued warnings about these scams, highlighting that thousands have been duped. The typical scheme involves sending a fake check, instructing the victim to deposit it, and then send a portion of the money back to cover “wrap installation” or other fabricated fees. When the check bounces, victims are left financially liable to their bank for the full amount of the fake check, plus any money they sent to the scammers. Energy drink brands like Monster, Red Bull, and, as in Forte’s case, Reign Body Fuel, are frequently misused in these scams, despite having no connection to these fraudulent programs. Reign Body Fuel was not offering the car wrap program Forte encountered; scammers simply exploited their brand name to appear legitimate.
While the Reign Energy Drink car wrap program offer that Forte encountered was a scam, legitimate car wrapping opportunities do exist. Websites like The Penny Hoarder list reputable companies such as Carvertise, Wrapify, and ReferralCars.
However, it’s important to note that these legitimate companies often prefer drivers who are on the road for extended periods, like gig economy drivers. If you only use your car for commuting or errands, you might not qualify for many programs. Gig drivers for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and similar services are often ideal candidates because of their high mileage and visibility.
Some less reputable companies might advertise car wrap programs without requiring gig driving, but it’s crucial to exercise caution. The Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) is a valuable resource to check company ratings and complaints before signing up with any car wrap program.
Forte, who now works with Carvertise to advertise a local law firm, emphasizes a critical red flag: receiving a large check upfront before any work is done. “If I gave them the money they asked for,” she warns, “they would have disappeared with the cash, and that’s just a scam.” This is a key takeaway to protect yourself from car wrap scams.
In conclusion, while the idea of a Reign Energy Drink car wrap program, or any similar high-paying car advertising opportunity, might be tempting, it’s essential to approach such offers with skepticism. Always be wary of unsolicited offers, especially those involving upfront payments or requests to send money. Research any car wrap company thoroughly, check their rating with the Better Business Bureau, and remember Natasha Forte’s advice: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. By staying informed and cautious, you can avoid falling victim to car wrap scams and potentially find legitimate opportunities to earn money with your car.
