Has anyone in here completed any piracy audits involving UFC fights and where you have to find your own leads?

They are a nightmare, and management can be extremely hostile if you are discovered. It is hard to find piracy in a place where one would feel safe.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/23/2022 04:16PM by Daisy Mae.

Yes. The pay was excellent, the assignment was very interesting.

But I would not do one again. Mostly for personal reasons of an emotional nature.

I can't say thank you enough to those that have reached out so far with feedback. Even though I have been shopping for 9 years now, I'm still skeptical when I come across a company I have never shopped with before and the offer for pay makes my eyes pop wide open.

I've done these before. The ones I went to were not in a great area. I stuck out like a sore thumb. I do have an undercover camera which made a big difference. You are responsible for paying the cover charge and you are not reimbursed.

One time we went out, something happened at the bar and the cops shut them down and raided the place while we were sitting in the parking lot. That was awkward! But I have done a few of these and have gotten paid very well.

As far as getting leads, social media is a good way to do it. Calling around to places that typically show that type of event and asking if they're showing that event is how I did it.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/23/2022 09:51PM by foodluvr.

@foodluvr wrote:

I've done these before. The ones I went to were not in a great area. I stuck out like a sore thumb. I do have an undercover camera which made a big difference. You are responsible for paying the cover charge and you are not reimbursed.

One time we went out, something happened at the bar and the cops shut them down and raided the place while we were sitting in the parking lot. That was awkward! But I have done a few of these and have gotten paid very well.

As far as getting leads, social media is a good way to do it. Calling around to places that typically show that type of event and asking if they're showing that event is how I did it.

I would not go alone, I was planning on dragging my husband along with me, I feel like if I were alone, that would make me stand out like a sore thumb. I do not have an undercover camera, where do find those? I know the cover charges and any purchases are not reimbursed that was mentioned, so now I know we are talking about the same company.

Seeing the place get raided, I'm sorry that is almost comical and scary at the same time, did you get paid?

Getting the leads was what I struggled with the most. I used Google, and came up empty with a few other things. I'm not big on social media, just FB. Did you order anything like a real customer or just go in like you wanted to watch the fight only?

@cybersst wrote:

@foodluvr wrote:

I've done these before. The ones I went to were not in a great area. I stuck out like a sore thumb. I do have an undercover camera which made a big difference. You are responsible for paying the cover charge and you are not reimbursed.

One time we went out, something happened at the bar and the cops shut them down and raided the place while we were sitting in the parking lot. That was awkward! But I have done a few of these and have gotten paid very well.

As far as getting leads, social media is a good way to do it. Calling around to places that typically show that type of event and asking if they're showing that event is how I did it.

I would not go alone, I was planning on dragging my husband along with me, I feel like if I were alone, that would make me stand out like a sore thumb. I do not have an undercover camera, where do find those? I know the cover charges and any purchases are not reimbursed that was mentioned, so now I know we are talking about the same company.

Seeing the place get raided, I'm sorry that is almost comical and scary at the same time, did you get paid?

Getting the leads was what I struggled with the most. I used Google, and came up empty with a few other things. I'm not big on social media, just FB. Did you order anything like a real customer or just go in like you wanted to watch the fight only?

I took my husband with me. Most of the ones I did were Spanish bars and and yeah I found the leads on Facebook. I have a DV-500 that I use for video mystery shopping so I just used that. I wasn't there that long. I was just there long enough to capture the video, get the photos and get out. If you want to order something you're welcome to.

The bar that got raided couldn't have been shopped. So no, I didn't get paid for that location. I had three that night so I got paid for two of the three. Still profitable but not sure I would go back to those establishments again.

With your husband along you can position him so that it looks like you're filming him with your phone while you're really filming other stuff.

@sestrahelena wrote:

With your husband along you can position him so that it looks like you're filming him with your phone while you're filming other stuff.

Until someone walks behind me or beside me and sees that I'm not. I've had people at a sports bar I was shopping at before try to be really nosy when I was taking down my notes, and timing. I turn the screen down really low, but that also makes it hard for me to see sometimes.

@foodluvr wrote:

@cybersst wrote:

@foodluvr wrote:

I've done these before. The ones I went to were not in a great area. I stuck out like a sore thumb. I do have an undercover camera which made a big difference. You are responsible for paying the cover charge and you are not reimbursed.

One time we went out, something happened at the bar and the cops shut them down and raided the place while we were sitting in the parking lot. That was awkward! But I have done a few of these and have gotten paid very well.

As far as getting leads, social media is a good way to do it. Calling around to places that typically show that type of event and asking if they're showing that event is how I did it.

I would not go alone, I was planning on dragging my husband along with me, I feel like if I were alone, that would make me stand out like a sore thumb. I do not have an undercover camera, where do find those? I know the cover charges and any purchases are not reimbursed that was mentioned, so now I know we are talking about the same company.

Seeing the place get raided, I'm sorry that is almost comical and scary at the same time, did you get paid?

Getting the leads was what I struggled with the most. I used Google, and came up empty with a few other things. I'm not big on social media, just FB. Did you order anything like a real customer or just go in like you wanted to watch the fight only?

I took my husband with me. Most of the ones I did were Spanish bars and and yeah I found the leads on Facebook. I have a DV-500 that I use for video mystery shopping so I just used that. I wasn't there that long. I was just there long enough to capture the video, get the photos and get out. If you want to order something you're welcome to.

The bar that got raided couldn't have been shopped. So no, I didn't get paid for that location. I had three that night so I got paid for two of the three. Still profitable but not sure I would go back to those establishments again.

I have not done any of the video shops, but I am signed on with multiple companies that offer them. Having a camera like that seems like it would make it so much easier. The next option for this is next month. I'm still on the fence if I want to try it or not. I don't care about dodgy parts of town. I definitely do not look like I follow UFC either.

I used the video function on my iPhone. My friend and I made like I didn't know how to use my phone, that I just got it, and she was teaching me. We did ask permission to "can my friend show me how to use my phone to take a video?"

The report was time consuming (affidavits, actually, for the lawyer), but the job paid $400. And the deadline for the report was quite "relaxed", no pressure at all. Being exactly legally correct more important than speed.

That's very clever. I would not have thought of that, I could play that scenario off very well, having my husband trying to explain to me how to use my phone that has so many more features than my old one had.

As far as to pay, this one is significantly less, so I don't think affidavits would be involved? Maybe? But as mystery shopping goes, the pay is very good, because you can also do more than one.

I'm still on the fence. I really like the covert part, and the pay. What I don't like is, if I'm discovered and the fallout of that scenario, I stick out like a sore thumb. I have brightly multi-colored hair. But that is the only thing that makes me stand out, no piercings, and no tattoos.

@ceasesmith wrote:

I used the video function on my iPhone. My friend and I made like I didn't know how to use my phone, that I just got it, and she was teaching me. We did ask permission to "can my friend show me how to use my phone to take a video?"

The report was time consuming (affidavits, actually, for the lawyer), but the job paid $400. And the deadline for the report was quite "relaxed", no pressure at all. Being exactly legally correct more important than speed.

@foodluvr wrote:

.....As far as getting leads, social media is a good way to do it. Calling around to places that typically show that type of event and asking if they're showing that event is how I did it.

I'm guessing you are trying to find establishments that are showing a pay per view event without having paid to do it.

If you call and they say they will be showing the event, how do you know if it's piracy or not. Or do you provide the establishments information to the MSC and they tell you whether you can do the mystery shop at that location?

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/24/2022 10:15PM by wrosie.

You get a list of establishments that are allowed to show the fight legally, then you find places that are not on the list that are advertising they are showing the fight. You give that information to the company and the company will then let you know if that location is one that can be audited.

@wrosie wrote:

@foodluvr wrote:

.....As far as getting leads, social media is a good way to do it. Calling around to places that typically show that type of event and asking if they're showing that event is how I did it.

I'm guessing you are trying to find establishments that are showing a pay per view event without having paid to do it.

If you call and they say they will be showing the event, how do you know if it's piracy or not. Or do you provide the establishments information to the MSC and they tell you whether you can do the mystery shop at that location?

This one sounds really fun, I hope I can find one!

@cybersst wrote:

What I don't like is, if I'm discovered and the fallout of that scenario, I stick out like a sore thumb. I have brightly multi-colored hair. But that is the only thing that makes me stand out, no piercings, and no tattoos.

I don't know how realistic these may be, but would something like a stick-on, temporary tattoo work?? Or are they too fake-looking? I have no idea, but was just thinking if something like that might help you look more like you fit in with the scenery, so to speak.

I've actually wanted a real one but they are too costly. Don't know how realistic the fake ones are. I use to get henna tattoos all the time. Would do my whole arm. Loved them, but the person who did them moved away. Don't think the henna ones would have done me any good fitting in with UFC crowd though.

@guysmom wrote:

@cybersst wrote:

What I don't like is, if I'm discovered and the fallout of that scenario, I stick out like a sore thumb. I have brightly multi-colored hair. But that is the only thing that makes me stand out, no piercings, and no tattoos.

I don't know how realistic these may be, but would something like a stick-on, temporary tattoo work?? Or are they too fake-looking? I have no idea, but was just thinking if something like that might help you look more like you fit in with the scenery, so to speak.

I could never, ever do that. I am frumpy, dumpy, dowdy and belong in the frumpy, dumpy, dowdy part of the world. But this thread is interesting. You all are interesting. How you adapt and fit in, use equipment, and do this for lawyers is interesting. Back to your regularly scheduled thread now.

Now I'm not sure the one I'm on the fence about doing is for lawyers, it could have been different companies hiring for that. The pay is definitely different from the one involving lawyers and the one I'm considering. But no matter the age, I don't feel half of us fit in according to the replies so far. The only UFC names I know Connor McGregor, Jake Paul (?) I can't tell you any stats about them or anything else.

Pre-pandemic, I’d done a couple dozen of these, everywhere from series of Puerto Rican bars in the Bronx to one very scary warehouse in Miami to some vape joints in Los Angeles. The pay is spectacular - I’ve made $1600 from just two hours of bar-hopping - and once you get the affidavit requirements down, it’s super simple to complete the work and FedEx the affidavits in. I use a PV-500 with a custom button camera that adapts to low light. I also carry an old phone with me as a decoy, just in case the bouncers are collecting phones at the door (some of the very big events do.)

I got an email last week (from a company I don’t like much) offering $175, but no way will I do them for that rate; I normally got $400 per location. That’s about right for the risk/reward balance in my book. FYI, the client uses your observations and video work to sue the locations for anywhere between $5-100K for piracy - $400 is a pretty good deal for them, you’re doing all the footwork. I always had a written agreement with the lawyer I worked for that I would be well-compensated if I had to travel for a trial. (Sadly, all of my locations saw the video and affidavit and paid the fines, so unfortunately I never got to be a witness and be on a sweet per diem.)

I used to be paid for these by PayPal within 24 hours of affidavit and video submission; is this still the case?

Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 04/25/2022 01:01PM by ColoKate63.

@cybersst wrote:

The only UFC names I know Connor McGregor, Jake Paul (?) I can't tell you any stats about them or anything else.

You aren’t there long enough to have a conversation with anyone at all. I was inside the piracy locations long enough to get a drink, walk the room, get my observations and my required video, then out the door. Less than 5 minutes, usually. You really don’t want to linger. I usually went alone as a single female.

If you are considering fake tattoos, disguises, etc, you are WAY overthinking this. Focus on getting in, getting out, getting your observations in quickly and going home to write your affidavit before the details get fuzzy. It’s pretty simple.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/25/2022 01:04PM by ColoKate63.

@ColoKate63 after your initial comment, I'm really changing my mind now.

@cybersst wrote:

@ColoKate63 after your initial comment, I'm really changing my mind now.

How so?

EDIT: to add the pay scale I used to work for, so you don’t get taken advantage of:

$50 - Generate a lead (can be anywhere in the USA) using social media, window posters, etc. that is successfully used to do a piracy job by someone else
$250 - Use a lead given to you by the law office (or video mystery shop company) successfully and turn in an affidavit and usable video
$400 - Generate your own lead AND perform a successful piracy gig with affidavit and video
$800-1000 is what the lawyer (or video mystery shop company) is getting, so do not sell yourself short! You are doing most of the work here!
$5,000-$100,000++ is what UFC goes after in court for the locations who commit piracy and steal the event. That’s why a headcount is included in the affidavit (which is just a basic fill-in-the-blank form) - each person inside generates a fine, based on the building capacity. A mom and pop bar will be at the low end. I’ve heard of casinos who pirate UFC signal being hit for high six figures.

Just FYI. Don’t sell yourself short on these.

Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 04/25/2022 02:07PM by ColoKate63.

@ColoKate63 I was reconsidering because you pointed out I would be taken advantage of with what this entails and the pay rate. I was completely unaware of that. Also completely unaware I had to count people too.

@cybersst wrote:

@ColoKate63 I was reconsidering because you pointed out I would be taken advantage of with what this entails and the pay rate. I was completely unaware of that. Also completely unaware I had to count people too.

Ah. Yes, I like to tell shoppers how much the fees REALLY are that the companies are pulling in, based on our work. Good, solid companies with honest accounting and pay periods don’t have anything to worry about.

It’s easy to count people in a bar or event area. Buy a beer, walk the room with your phone to your ear like you’re talking to someone, make your first count. Walk the room again, pretend like you’re searching for someone, second count. Get on your “phone call” again, walk and count again, stick your finger in your ear like you are having reception issues, put your beer down, walk outside past the bouncer, mouth to him that you’ll be right back, get in your car (parked facing out) and leave immediately. Have a pen and pad in the car, write down your counts, physical descriptions, screen count and descriptions, everything needed for the affidavit. Go on to your next location.

It’s so easy to make observations while you’re “on a call” with someone. “No, you said you’d be here at 8, and it’s already 9!” can be spun out for a couple minutes while you’re actually making your counts and noting descriptions. If you can’t multitask like that, I don’t suggest you do the work.

Edit: Before I did my first piracy gig, I did a dry run in a crowded college bar. I had my PV-500 running, did my counts and observations, tried to write the affidavit- for zero pay. Just to practice my camera angles, my observations, my memory skills. No pressure, just practice. Try that. Any crowded sports bar will work for your “dry run,” because you will be counting TVs and noting their size, brand, and whether they’re showing the event. See if you can find the maximum occupancy sign. It’s a skill you can practice and get good at before the night of the event - and you should be able to do it all in less than five minutes.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/25/2022 02:38PM by ColoKate63.

@ColoKate63 I'm not so good with multitasking as you described. But I have always used my phone to scribble my notes, and I have a counter app on my phone that I used for my other audits. I use a memo app for my notes with all the things that I need pre-loaded so I just fill in the blank with the answers, so pretty much would be the affidavit on my phone. So for me would be maybe a few trips to the bathroom, to enter the info or two trips, not sure how much it would take.

The beer part would be hard because I can't stand it, tried too many times, and couldn't drink it. I am type 2 Diabetic, so going for the mixed drinks and drinking those are a gamble I don't want to go for and have my sugar spike and pass out and draw attention to myself. It takes some research into what low-carb drink I can order, but I'm sure there is something.

I assume you estimate size of TV and do all of them have the brand name visible? I was actually planning on doing a dry run first, but don't know that they would actually give what is expected of me so I would know what I need to do. Where do I find the type of camera you used? Is it discreet?

The pay is considerably less if you use a lead given to you than the breakdown mentioned above and still less if you generate your own lead. This has the same requirements as others have mentioned as far as details that need to be gathered.

Can anyone who did these audits for the great pay rate kindly PM the name of the company? The one who contacted me has found a way to cut their fee more by splitting up the audit into two jobs. One that finds leads only, and the other that is the actual audit itself.

I'm also interested in doing these but need to know what company to contact.

@DrSquash best of luck, I asked the same thing multiple times to no avail. The only info I have is the company that reached out to me that offers 50-60% less than what the work is worth.