Consumers continue to report emails, text messages, and social media offers claiming they can earn money by placing Budweiser advertisements on their vehicles.
The offers often promise hundreds of dollars per week for simply driving a car wrapped with Budweiser branding.
While the opportunity may sound appealing, these messages are typically part of a fake check scam designed to steal money from victims.
If you receive a Budweiser car wrap offer, proceed with caution.
What Is the Budweiser Car Wrap Scam?
The Budweiser Car Wrap Scam is a fake advertising opportunity that claims participants can earn money by displaying Budweiser advertisements on their vehicles.
Victims are told:
They have been selected for an advertising campaign.
Budweiser wants to increase brand awareness.
They will receive weekly payments.
A check will be sent immediately.
A graphic installation company will apply the vehicle wrap.
The scam creates the appearance of a legitimate marketing program.
How the Scam Works
The fraud typically follows a predictable pattern.
You receive an email, text message, or social media offer.
You agree to participate.
A large check is mailed to you.
You are instructed to deposit the check.
You are told to keep a portion as payment.
You are instructed to send the remaining funds to a "graphics installer" or "advertising agent."
The check eventually bounces.
Your bank removes the funds.
The money you sent is gone.
Victims often lose hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Example Scam Instructions
Many versions of the scam include instructions similar to:
Deposit the check, keep your first week's payment, and send the remaining funds to the graphic agent responsible for placing the advertisement on your vehicle.
The scammers rely on the fact that many consumers mistakenly believe a deposited check has fully cleared when funds become temporarily available.
Why the Scam Works
The scam exploits a common misunderstanding about banking.
Funds Available Does Not Mean the Check Cleared
Banks often make funds available before the check is fully verified.
The check may later be identified as fraudulent days or even weeks after deposit.
Trusted Brand Names
Scammers frequently use recognizable companies to gain credibility.
Common brands used include:
Budweiser
Coca-Cola
Red Bull
Pepsi
Monster Energy
Dr Pepper
The company name changes, but the scam remains the same.
Warning Signs
Several red flags appear in nearly every car wrap scam.
Upfront Check Payments
Legitimate advertising programs generally do not require participants to redistribute funds.
Requests to Wire Money
Scammers often instruct victims to send money through:
Western Union
MoneyGram
Wire transfers
Gift cards
Payment apps
Overpayment
The check is usually larger than the promised compensation.
Urgency
Victims are often instructed to act immediately after depositing the check.
Generic Emails
Many scams originate from free email services rather than official corporate domains.
Does Budweiser Offer Public Car Wrap Programs?
Consumers should independently verify any advertising opportunity through official company channels.
Unsolicited offers involving advance payments, checks, and money transfers should be treated with extreme caution.
How to Protect Yourself
Never Forward Money from a Check
This is the single biggest warning sign.
Verify the Opportunity
Contact the company directly using official contact information.
Be Skeptical of Easy Money
Offers that promise significant income for little effort deserve careful scrutiny.
Talk to Your Bank
If you receive a suspicious check, consult your financial institution before depositing it.
What If You Deposited the Check?
If you already deposited a check:
Contact your bank immediately.
Explain the situation.
Do not send any money.
Save all communications.
Report the scam if necessary.
Acting quickly may help reduce financial losses.
Related Resources
Looking for additional consumer resources?
Related Scam Warnings
Consumers researching Budweiser car wrap scams may also be interested in:
Have You Received a Car Wrap Offer?
Share your experience below.
Which company name was used?
Did you receive a check?
Were you instructed to send money?
How much compensation was promised?
Did you report the scam?
Your experience may help others recognize and avoid fake advertising and check fraud schemes.
Disclaimer
ThinkItsAScam.com is an independent consumer information website. We are not affiliated with Budweiser or Anheuser-Busch InBev. This article is intended for educational purposes only and to help consumers identify common fake check and advertising-related scams.
