Amazon, a company with annual revenues nearing $575 billion, is seemingly offering a generous opportunity. An online advertisement circulating online suggests that Amazon is launching a new community program, inviting vehicle owners across the United States to display the “Amazon” logo on their cars for a weekly payment of $700. The ad specifies a “small sticker” and a substantial payout of $700 every week for six months, potentially earning participants over $18,000.
Example of a fake Amazon car advertisement program online ad promising weekly payments for car wraps, identified as a potential scam
However, this enticing offer raises several red flags and critical questions. The advertisement, found on a blog called offersbased.com/car/, which appears to be unaffiliated with Amazon, immediately casts doubt on its legitimacy.
Red Flags in the Amazon Car Wrap Advertisement
Several inconsistencies and unanswered questions surrounding this purported Amazon Car Advert Program warrant closer examination:
- Unofficial Platform: Why is this program advertised on a seemingly unrelated blog instead of official Amazon channels? Legitimate programs are typically announced on company websites or official press releases.
- Vague Program Details: The advertisement lacks specifics about program mechanics. Are there minimum mileage requirements to qualify for the weekly payment? Legitimate advertising programs usually have clear terms and conditions.
- Unnecessary Installation Specialist: If the logo is merely a “small sticker” and “easy to install,” why is a “decal installation specialist” supposedly required? This adds an unnecessary and suspicious layer to the process. Genuine programs often prioritize simplicity and ease of participation.
- Unclear Benefit for Amazon: Amazon already has a massive fleet of delivery vehicles, with over 275,000 drivers, all prominently displaying the Amazon logo. How would this program, using personal vehicles with small stickers, significantly benefit Amazon’s advertising efforts to justify such high payouts?
To investigate further, TINA.org reached out through the contact form on the offersbased.com website but has not received any response. Similarly, inquiries to Amazon regarding the existence of an “amazon car advert program” and their affiliation with the advertising blog remain unanswered.
These unanswered questions and inconsistencies strongly suggest that this “amazon car advert program” bears the hallmarks of a classic car wrap scam.
How Car Wrap Scams Operate
Car wrap scams typically lure victims with promises of easy income for advertising on their vehicles. The scheme unfolds in a predictable pattern:
- Enticing Offer: Victims are attracted by advertisements promising substantial weekly payments for displaying company logos or brands on their cars.
- Initial Contact and Overpayment: After signing up, participants often receive a check for an amount exceeding the initially promised payment.
- Request for Reimbursement: Victims are then instructed to deposit the check and wire a portion of the funds to a third-party company, supposedly to cover the costs of car wrap materials or “installation fees.”
- Fake Check Scam: The initial check is fraudulent and eventually bounces, leaving the victim responsible for the withdrawn funds and having already sent money to scammers. The promised “specialist” or “detailer” never materializes, as they are non-existent.
Legitimate Car Wrap Programs vs. Scams: Proceed with Caution
While legitimate car wrap advertising programs do exist, offering genuine opportunities to earn income by wrapping vehicles with brand advertisements, scams are prevalent in this domain.
If an “amazon car advert program” or similar opportunity captures your attention, exercise extreme caution. Before providing any personal information or engaging further, independently verify the program’s legitimacy directly with the brand being advertised. Contact Amazon through their official website or customer service channels to confirm whether such a program exists and if the sign-up website is officially endorsed by them.
Remember, offers that seem too good to be true often are. Vigilance and direct verification are crucial in avoiding falling victim to car wrap scams disguised as lucrative “amazon car advert program” opportunities.
