PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Bang Energy®, a leading name in energy drinks and sports supplements, has successfully won a legal dispute against the perpetrators of a fraudulent online scheme. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) ruled on August 2, 2022, in favor of Bang Energy, effectively shutting down a deceptive website that was misleading consumers with a fake “Bang Energy Drink Car Wrap Program”. This website falsely used Bang Energy’s trademarks and logos to lure individuals into a car wrap scam, promising financial rewards for advertising the brand on their vehicles.
This victory marks a significant step in Bang Energy’s fight against online scams that tarnish its brand and, more importantly, harm consumers. The fraudulent website, www.bangenergyadverts.com, which is now defunct, was designed to mimic official Bang Energy branding. It tricked users into believing they were signing up for a legitimate car wrap advertising program, only to defraud them of their money. Scammers often use sophisticated tactics, including proxy services to hide their identities, making it challenging to stop their illicit activities.
“This is a win for consumers and for the integrity of our brand,” stated Jack Owoc, the Founder, CEO, and CSO of Bang Energy. “These scams exploit the trust people have in Bang Energy and cause real financial hardship. We are committed to protecting our customers and will continue to fight against these deceptive practices.”
Understanding the Car Wrap Scam Targeting Bang Energy Drink Enthusiasts
The “bang energy drink car wrap program” scam operates by enticing individuals with the prospect of easy income. Victims are typically contacted through various online channels, including fake websites, emails, and text messages, with offers like “Get Paid Weekly to Drive with Bang Energy Wraps.” These messages promise substantial weekly payments in exchange for applying car wraps – vinyl decals featuring the Bang Energy logo – to their personal vehicles.
The scam unfolds when individuals are asked to pay an upfront fee for “materials,” “application,” or “registration” to participate in this purported program. Victims make these payments, believing they are investing in a legitimate advertising opportunity with a well-known brand. However, after paying, they receive nothing in return – no car wraps, no payments, and no communication from the scammers. The website and contacts disappear, leaving victims with financial losses and the realization they have been deceived.
Bang Energy’s Proactive Measures Against Fraudulent Car Wrap Programs
Bang Energy has unequivocally stated that they do not operate any “car wrap” advertising programs. Any offers suggesting otherwise are scams. The company actively monitors and combats fraudulent activities that misuse its brand name. The legal action against www.bangenergyadverts.com and the subsequent WIPO decision demonstrate Bang Energy’s commitment to protecting consumers and its brand reputation.
The shutdown of this particular website is a victory, but Bang Energy cautions that these scammers are persistent and may resurface under different names and websites. Consumers must remain vigilant and informed to avoid falling prey to these schemes.
Protecting Yourself from Car Wrap Scams: Red Flags and Safe Practices
To protect yourself from falling victim to car wrap scams, especially those misusing the Bang Energy brand, be aware of these red flags:
- Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of unsolicited emails, text messages, or online ads promoting car wrap programs, especially those promising high weekly payments for minimal effort.
- Upfront Fees: Legitimate advertising programs do not require you to pay upfront fees for materials or registration. This is a major red flag for scams.
- Generic Contact Information: Scammers often use generic email addresses and lack official company contact details.
- Pressure to Act Fast: Scam tactics often involve creating a sense of urgency to pressure victims into making quick decisions without proper research.
- Poor Website Quality: While some scam websites can be sophisticated, others may have noticeable flaws in design, grammar, and overall professionalism.
How to Verify Legitimate Bang Energy Promotions and Report Scams
Always verify any offers or promotions claiming to be from Bang Energy through official channels only:
- Official Bang Energy Website: www.bangenergy.com is the only official website for Bang Energy products and promotions.
- Official Social Media: Follow Bang Energy on their verified social media accounts: @BangEnergy and @BangEnergy.CEO on Instagram.
- Contact Bang Energy Directly: If you are unsure about an offer, contact Bang Energy through the contact information provided on their official website.
If you encounter a suspected car wrap scam, report it to the following authorities:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2016/08/how-spot-car-wrap-scam
- FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3): www.ic3.gov
Conclusion: Stay Informed and Protect Yourself from Car Wrap Scams
Bang Energy’s successful legal action against the fraudulent “bang energy drink car wrap program” website is a crucial reminder of the ongoing threat of online scams. By staying informed, recognizing red flags, and verifying information through official sources, consumers can protect themselves from these deceptive schemes. Remember, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Always exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to help protect yourself and others from becoming victims of car wrap and other online scams.
