Complaint Review: Joe Cohen AKA American Ad Agency

Joel Cohen with American Ad Agencies Network / American Ad Agecy Resource contacted me via email stating he was representing Red Bull to wrap vehicles for a fee.  The pitch was they would pay $450 per week to wrap my truck for a fee for a three month term.  We traded several emails then he sent an envelope with a contract and check inclosed for $4900.  After looking the check over I called the bank at 800-854-0349 to verify funds.  The check and funds were declined.  Here's where it gets to looking like a shell game.  The check is written off a boguds account at First Citizens bank in Roanoke VA.

 I visited with Adam Dove (adam.dove@firstcitizens.com) there and he said the account was made up.  The routing number was correct though.  The company from which the check was drawn was also made up (WVCORP Claims) The address was correct for another company which had a simular name (AVCORP). The contact there was Beth Ray (tech1@riskprograms.com).  When the chack came there was a return address with Joe Cohen, AAA Insurance, Albuquerque, NM.  I called AAA and spoke with Tony Reed (reed.anthony@aaa-newmexico.com) a manager over all of the state who said they had no Joe Cohen as a AAA agent in NM.  

I'm giving all this information so those who read this will understand this is a well thought out scam that has a few moving pieces.  I felt like I had to write this and share with others who may get a check from Joe.  What is supposed to happen is you deposit the check and send him a copy of your deposit slip.  With the deposit slip they have eveything needed to create checks with your information and do this scam with you being the grantor of said fake checks.  I'm sure there is no Joe Cohen for real out there doing this as the name is probably made up.  But the checks with Michael Stafford signatures are being sent out as I write this.  I hope this helps some other folks and nobody gets caught in his net.  Best Regards!