Energy drink car-wrap scam targets Kiwis

ENERGY drink
Police say a number of the advertisements ran in Kiwi newspapers in mid-June. Photo credit: Getty

If you see a newspaper advert claiming to offer £500 in exchange for wrapping your car in energy drink branding, don't do it - it's a scam.

Police say a number of the advertisements ran in Kiwi newspapers in mid-June.

"While we're not aware of anyone falling for the scam, it has been reported to us, and it's a reminder to be extra vigilant - if something seems too good to be true, it probably is," said Const Cameron Hunt.

It works like this. After the victim responds to the advert, they're sent a cheque for £6500. The recipient is meant to bank it, then send £6000 to another account, supposedly to pay for the wrapping. The rest is their cut.

But after they've transferred the money the cheque bounces, leaving them £6000 out of pocket.

Police say the fake cheques have started to arrive now.

"Anyone who has received one of these cheques is urged not to bank it," said Const Hunt.

If you think you've been scammed, police say to report it.

The car-wrap scam isn't a new format. There were reports of it happening here in 2014, with Rockstar Energy the unfortunate drink targeted.

"This is in no way associated with Rockstar and is a scam in order to gain your personal information for the scammer's financial gain," the brand said on its Facebook page at the time.

Newshub.