I’ve been hearing a lot of talk about “sponsorship agencies” popping up in the stance sub-culture. These agencies promise you the sun and the stars in exchange for nothing more than your cooperation and a “small filling fee” sent exclusively via Money Order. I decided to do my own investigation into the matter. Read on to read my experience and conclusion on one of the fastest growing scams in the car scene today. I started first by submitting an email posing as an applicant applying for a “sponsorship”. Upon submitting my application I was told via a confirmation email that I would recieve a phone call or text message within 48 hours with an answer. Instantly I became a tad skeptical. Being a former competitive paintball player, I have NEVER been contacted via anything other than email before I was even officially sponsored.
Sure enough 6 hours later, while at work, I received a call from a landline based somewhere in the state of Delaware. The representative asked me for some information about my car. Current sponsors, upgrades I have done, all the usual questions. He then asked if I was interested in a sponsorship and informed me that his job was to connect me to other sponsors such as Red Bull, BBS Forged Wheels, and Garrett Turbos in exchange for nothing more than rocking there decals, among a few other “small” things.
After digging a little deeper I was informed that they would need a copy of my Drivers Lisence and Insurance information in order to make sure I was of age. Why in the world would my Insurance be necessary for that? Seeing as I was told they did not care about there sponsored cars prior driving records (…WHAT?!). In addition, before my sponsorship could be active I would have to send a $199.00 filing charge in order too… blah blah blah bullshit bullshit. I asked when the deadline was to pay the bill and the representative told me I had the rest of the work day and than I would loose my chance at sponsorship… Forever.
At this point I thought I’d reached a solid conclusion and the conversation promptly ended there. Next thing I know my phone is being bombarded with text messages like “Where is my money?”, “Why would you lie to me about sponsorship?”, “Your a fucking asshole”, etc.. etc.. etc. Not very business type speak don’t you think? After I informed him who I was and what my total goal was the text messages seized instantly.
I was later sent an email (after there “business” hours mind you) from the representatives “boss” ensuring me that it was not a scam and that my money was safe. He told me “Any Facebook page with 200k+ fans can’t possibly be a scam”… I could make a Facebook fan page for the last stool I dropped and get 200k+ by morning. It’s the internet, idiots are everywhere. Further more, upon deeper investigation I learned that none of the “sponsored cars” on there website have ever heard of SponsoredWhips.com, let alone knew of there cars being used to promote the site.
Many have already fallen for this low-class, and very low-budget scam. I’m sure others are following suite with there own “sponsorship agencies”. Sponsorship is never easy, stay true to the grind and earn it from hard work and respect. Don’t take the easy way out or you may end up like so many victims that have already fallen for this scam. Be safe, and keep an eye out for your fellow enthusiasts. If you hear talks about this business at meets, at shows, anywhere. Let people know. Lets all work together as a community to stop scammers like these and so many others once and for all!
- Story by Aleksey Royt
- Photos by Aleksey Royt
- Edited by Aleksey Royt
