Motorists urged to avoid 'driving side hustle scam freezing bank accounts’

Some companies offer drivers the chance to wrap their cars in ads representing the organization for supplementary income — but scammers have infiltrated the side hustle.

The fraud starts with a motorist applying for the part-time gig after receiving a text message offer or signing up through a website.

Next, the claimed boss managing employment for these falsely advertised opportunities mails you a check to cover decal-wrapping expenses and possibly your initial pay, according to the Better Business Bureau.

However, some cons will mail fake checks for the service, either freezing the victim’s bank account upon a deposit or leaving them on the hook to pay back the check’s balance.

The Better Business Bureau has been warning drivers about this advertising scam since 2021, but victims of the crime are continually cropping up.

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Detroit resident Krysta Cantrell, a single mom and college student, thought she had found an opportunity to advertise for C-4, a mainstream energy drink company, using car decals, ABC affiliate WXYZ reports.

Cantrell signed up for the side hustle and later received a $3,990 check for the first week’s $700 payment, with the rest reserved for decal installation.

After depositing the check, Cantrell’s bank account froze.

Cantrell said her experience with the scam was “earth-shattering” and wanted to share her story to help others avoid wasting money, ABC affiliate WXYZ reports.

Drivers shouldn’t panic over this fraudulent practice as there are reliable steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim.

Melanie Duquesnel, the head of the Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Michigan, said to:

• Look for typos in car advertisement job offerings

• Verify the company advertising and decal vendor through video calls

• Ask the company for referrals from other workers