Have you received a text message or online offer promising easy money just by wrapping your car with a Monster Energy banner? Reader Wendy L. was thrilled when she heard about an opportunity to earn “$800 per week” simply by turning her vehicle into a mobile advertisement for the popular energy drink. The concept, while unusual, seemed plausible for a brand known for bold marketing stunts. The offer detailed wrapping her car to promote Monster Energy drinks.
Unfortunately, Wendy’s exciting prospect was not legitimate. Monster Energy does not operate a car wrap program. A company spokesperson confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that these offers are fraudulent, part of a widespread scam targeting consumers.
This “opportunity” is a variation of the fake check scam, a scheme that has defrauded many. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has received over 700 reports of car wrap scams in the last five years alone, demonstrating how pervasive this fraud has become.
Here’s how the scam typically unfolds: After expressing interest, victims receive a check, often for an amount significantly higher than promised. They are then instructed to deposit the check and wire the excess funds to a separate entity, supposedly to cover the costs of the car wrap materials and installation. Victims believe they are simply forwarding money for supplies, but the initial check is fake and bounces after they have sent off real money.
Wendy L. experienced this firsthand, losing over $100 before realizing she had been targeted by a scam. Online forums and FTC complaint pages are filled with similar stories dating back years, illustrating the scam’s ongoing impact. Scammers are not just impersonating Monster Energy; they are also using names like Marlboro and Purell to lure unsuspecting individuals into these car wrap scams, according to the FTC.
While Monster Energy did not issue an official statement recently, their spokesperson previously told the LA Times that they are aware of these scams and are cooperating with authorities to investigate. However, the perpetrators remain at large.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns consumers to be skeptical of any get-rich-quick schemes. Specifically regarding car wrap scams, the FTC advises: If you receive a check and are told to send a portion of it back, it is undoubtedly a scam. Protect yourself from fraud by recognizing the red flags of these deceptive offers and understanding that legitimate companies like Monster Energy do not use such methods for advertising campaigns. Always be cautious when an opportunity seems too good to be true.
