Fake 'Brand Ambassador / We'll Pay You to Post' Scam
A 'brand' offers to pay you to post or sends a 'free PR package,' then runs a fake-check/overpayment scam or harvests your personal and banking data.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
You're contacted by a 'brand' or 'marketing agency' offering a paid ambassador deal or a free product to promote. It turns into one of several scams: they send a check to buy the product or equipment and ask you to forward part of the money (fake-check/overpayment), ask for your bank details and ID for 'onboarding' (identity theft), or require you to pay 'shipping/handling' for a 'free' package. Real brand deals don't pay you by check to forward money or require your banking details up front from a cold DM.
What it usually looks like
- A cold offer to be a paid ambassador or get free products.
- A check to buy product/equipment, then forward the rest.
- Requests for bank details and ID for 'onboarding.'
- A 'free PR package' with shipping/handling fees.
Common warning signs
- Getting paid by check to forward money.
- Bank/ID details requested up front from a DM.
- Fees to receive a 'free' package.
- Vague, unverifiable 'brands/agencies.'
Example wording scammers use
“We'd love you as a brand ambassador! We'll mail a check — buy our product and keep your $200 fee, send the rest to our vendor.”
“Claim your free PR package — just cover the $19 shipping and share your bank info for payouts.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Overpayment/fake-check fraud, or your bank/ID data.
- A 'shipping' fee for a free package.
- To exploit desire for sponsorships.
What to do
- Verify any brand deal through the company's official channels.
- Never accept a check to forward money or share bank/ID from a cold DM.
- Don't pay to receive a 'free' package.
- Research the brand/agency before engaging.
What to do if you already responded
- Tell your bank if a check/overpayment is involved.
- If you shared ID/bank data, use IdentityTheft.gov and consider a freeze.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.