FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — A notorious car wrap scam that’s been circulating via text message has landed one suspect behind bars and exposed a multi-state fraud operation.
The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office (SLCSO) said on August 19, detectives with the Financial Crimes Unit executed a search warrant near 1900 Jaynell Street. The raid was part of a broader investigation into counterfeit checks and fraudulent money orders tied to a deceptive advertising scheme.
The sheriff’s office said the scam works like this: Victims receive unsolicited texts offering cash to wrap their cars in promotional decals. Those who respond are mailed counterfeit checks and instructed to deposit the funds, keep a portion as “payment,” and forward the rest to a third party — often posing as a decal installer. By the time banks flag the checks as fake, victims have already sent real money, suffering major financial losses…