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Thursday, March 14, 2013

Red Bull Car Wrap Scam Warning



Consumers continue to report emails, text messages, and social media messages claiming they can earn money by displaying Red Bull advertisements on their vehicles.

The offers often promise hundreds of dollars per week simply for driving a wrapped vehicle. While the opportunity may appear legitimate, these messages are typically part of a fake check scam designed to steal money from victims.

If you receive a Red Bull car wrap offer, proceed with caution.

What Is the Red Bull Car Wrap Scam?

The Red Bull Car Wrap Scam is a fraudulent advertising scheme that claims consumers can earn money by allowing Red Bull branding to be placed on their vehicles.

Victims are often told:

  • Red Bull is launching a new advertising campaign.

  • Their vehicle has been selected.

  • They will receive weekly compensation.

  • A professional installer will apply the wrap.

  • A check will be sent to begin the process.

The scam uses the Red Bull name to create credibility and trust.

How the Scam Works

The scam generally follows a predictable pattern.

  1. You receive an email, text, or social media message.

  2. You agree to participate.

  3. A check arrives in the mail.

  4. You are instructed to deposit the check.

  5. You are told to keep part of the money as your first payment.

  6. You are instructed to send the remaining funds to a "graphics installer" or "advertising agent."

  7. The check later bounces.

  8. Your bank removes the funds.

  9. The money you sent cannot be recovered.

Victims often lose hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Why the Scam Is Effective

Many consumers mistakenly believe a deposited check has fully cleared when funds become available.

Available Funds Do Not Mean the Check Is Valid

Banks often make funds available before a check has completed the verification process.

A fraudulent check can still be rejected days or even weeks later.

Well-Known Brands Create Trust

Scammers frequently use recognizable companies such as:

  • Red Bull

  • Budweiser

  • Rockstar Energy Drink

  • Monster Energy

  • Coca-Cola

  • Pepsi

The company name changes, but the scam remains largely the same.

Common Warning Signs

Several red flags appear in most Red Bull car wrap offers.

Large Upfront Checks

The check is often larger than the promised compensation.

Requests to Forward Money

Victims are instructed to send money to:

  • Graphic installers

  • Advertising coordinators

  • Marketing agents

Legitimate advertising programs do not require participants to redistribute funds.

Wire Transfers

Scammers frequently request payment through:

  • Western Union

  • MoneyGram

  • Wire transfers

  • Cash transfer services

Easy Money Promises

Offers that promise significant income for little effort should always be investigated carefully.

Does Red Bull Pay the Public to Wrap Their Cars?

Consumers should independently verify any promotional opportunity through official company channels.

Unsolicited offers involving checks and requests to forward money should be treated as suspicious.

Red Bull has publicly warned consumers about scams involving fake employment offers, gift card programs, and promotional opportunities that misuse the company's name.

How to Protect Yourself

Never Forward Money from a Check

This is one of the clearest warning signs of fraud.

Verify the Offer

Contact the company directly using official contact information.

Consult Your Bank

If you receive a suspicious check, speak with your financial institution before depositing it.

Save All Communications

Keep copies of emails, texts, and documents related to the offer.

What If You Deposited the Check?

If you deposited a check:

  1. Contact your bank immediately.

  2. Explain the situation.

  3. Do not send any money.

  4. Save all communications.

  5. Report the scam if necessary.

Acting quickly may help reduce financial losses.

Related Resources

Looking for additional consumer resources?

Related Scam Warnings

Consumers researching Red Bull car wrap scams may also be interested in:

Have You Received a Red Bull Car Wrap Offer?

Share your experience below.

  • How were you contacted?

  • Did you receive a check?

  • How much money were you promised?

  • Were you instructed to send money to a third party?

  • Did the offer specifically mention Red Bull?

Your experience may help other consumers recognize and avoid fake check scams.

Disclaimer

ThinkItsAScam.com is an independent consumer information website. We are not affiliated with Red Bull. This article is intended for educational purposes only and to help consumers identify common fake check and advertising-related scams.

Friday, March 8, 2013

Visa Mastercard Rewards Scam Warning

Consumers continue to receive emails, text messages, and online advertisements claiming they have been selected to receive rewards, cashback, gift cards, or cash prizes from Visa or Mastercard.

These messages often promise thousands of dollars and direct recipients to click links, complete forms, or provide personal information.

While the offers may appear legitimate, many are phishing scams designed to steal personal information, financial data, or account credentials.

If you receive an unexpected Visa or Mastercard reward notification, proceed with caution.

What Is the Visa Mastercard Rewards Scam?

The Visa Mastercard Rewards Scam is a phishing and prize fraud scheme that falsely claims recipients have been selected for a special reward, promotion, or cash prize.

The messages often claim:

  • You won a cash award.

  • You were selected as a loyal customer.

  • Your card usage qualified you for a reward.

  • You have unclaimed benefits.

  • A prize is waiting to be transferred to your account.

The scammers hope recipients will act before verifying the offer.

Example Scam Claims

Many versions claim:

  • You won $20,000 or another cash prize.

  • Your Visa or Mastercard account was selected.

  • The promotion rewards active online shoppers.

  • Funds can be transferred directly to your card.

  • You must complete a verification form.

The emails often include official-looking logos and branding to create credibility.

How the Scam Works

A typical rewards scam follows these steps:

  1. You receive an email, text, or advertisement.

  2. The message claims you won a reward.

  3. You are directed to a website.

  4. Personal or financial information is requested.

  5. The scammers collect your information.

  6. Identity theft or financial fraud may follow.

In some cases, victims are asked to pay processing fees before receiving the supposed reward.

Common Warning Signs

Several red flags appear in many reward scams.

Unexpected Rewards

Be cautious of prizes you did not enter to win.

Requests for Personal Information

Scammers frequently request:

  • Credit card numbers

  • Bank account information

  • Social Security numbers

  • Passwords

  • Security codes

Suspicious Links

Many phishing emails direct users to websites that mimic legitimate companies.

Urgent Deadlines

Scammers often claim the reward will expire unless immediate action is taken.

Generic Greetings

Many messages begin with:

  • Dear Customer

  • Valued Cardholder

  • Rewards Member

rather than your actual name.

Do Visa and Mastercard Send Reward Emails Like This?

Visa and Mastercard may participate in legitimate promotions through banks and financial institutions.

However, unsolicited messages promising large cash rewards should be treated with skepticism.

Consumers should verify any offer through official channels before responding.

How to Protect Yourself

Do Not Click Suspicious Links

Visit financial websites directly rather than using links contained in emails.

Verify Promotions Independently

Contact your card issuer using information found on the back of your card.

Protect Sensitive Information

Never provide account credentials through unsolicited emails.

Monitor Financial Accounts

Review statements regularly for unauthorized activity.

What If You Clicked the Link?

If you provided information:

  1. Contact your financial institution immediately.

  2. Monitor account activity.

  3. Change passwords if necessary.

  4. Watch for fraudulent charges.

  5. Consider placing fraud alerts on your credit reports.

Taking action quickly may reduce financial losses.

Historical Context

Reward and lottery scams have existed for decades.

Earlier versions often arrived through email, while modern scams may appear through:

  • Text messages

  • Social media

  • Fake websites

  • Mobile applications

  • Online advertisements

The names and technology change, but the goal remains the same: stealing money and personal information.

Related Resources

Looking for additional consumer resources?

Related Scam Warnings

Consumers researching Visa and Mastercard reward scams may also be interested in:

Have You Received a Visa or Mastercard Reward Email?

Share your experience below.

  • How much money did the message claim you won?

  • Were you asked to click a link?

  • Did the email request personal information?

  • Was a fee required to claim the reward?

  • Did the message appear to come from Visa or Mastercard?

Your experience may help other consumers recognize and avoid financial reward and phishing scams.

Disclaimer

ThinkItsAScam.com is an independent consumer information website. We are not affiliated with Visa or Mastercard. This article is intended for educational purposes only and to help consumers identify common reward, lottery, phishing, and financial scams.