# Car-wrap scam

> A car-wrap scam offers to pay the victim to display ads on their vehicle, then mails a fake check for the wrap and first month, asks them to forward part of it to an installer, and disappears when the check bounces. The wrap never happens. It is a fake-check scam with a vehicle theme.

Source: https://realjobcheck.com/glossary/car-wrap-scam/  
Updated: 2026-06-07 - Real Job Check Trust and Safety Research Team

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## What it is

A car-wrap scam offers to pay you to put advertising on your car, then runs a fake check through you. The wrap never happens, and the money you forward is your own.

## How it reaches you

You are recruited by text, email, or a social post for easy passive income. A check arrives for the wrap and first month, and you are told to deposit it and send part to an "installer." See [a job sent me a check to deposit](/answers/job-sent-me-a-check-to-deposit/).

## The tell

A real advertiser does not pay you before any work and then ask for part of it back. A check up front, with instructions to forward money, is the fake-check pattern.

## What to do

Do not deposit the check or forward any money, and tell your bank it is a scam. Report it to the [FTC](https://reportfraud.ftc.gov). It is a version of the [fake-check scam](/glossary/fake-check-scam/).