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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.

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