VoiceOverPete is the internet’s latest ironic meme, and you don’t need your credit card number or the three digits on the back to enjoy it. All you need to do is pay a few dollars and send over a pre-made script.
Like fellow voiceover actor Gordon “Big Man Tyrone” Hurd, Pete “VoiceOverPete” Accetturo became an internet sensation after the gaming community discovered his voice on freelancing service Fiverr. Just send him a script and he’ll read it. He’s pretty laid-back about what he’ll record, and while he draws the line at “profanity,” “vulgarity,” “bullying,” and “race-related” content, he isn’t afraid to record parody videos or dab in front of a camera.
It didn’t take long for Pete to blow up. After he recorded a video asking “all Fortnite gamers” to hand over their credit cards so “John Wick” can earn a “Victory Royal,” the commission made its way to Reddit and scored over 3,500 upvotes on r/FortNiteBR. The whole setup parodies obvious scams that plague multiplayer titles like Fortnite and Overwatch, where thieves pose as official developers and promise in-game rewards for credit card numbers or donations, but Pete’s soothing and professional voice adds a level of credence to the scam that makes it hilariously bizarre. It’s like a businessman telling you to hand over your debit card for free Steam Wallet codes.
The original meme’s template quickly took off, and one after another, users commissioned Pete to read scripts where he tricks everyone from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate gamers to Team Fortress 2 players to hand over their credit card numbers for the greater good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGi4j-bdcLk
VoiceOverPete also created a promo video for Fortnite streamer Ninja, inviting users to punch in their credit card numbers and subscribe.
⚠️ ATTENTION @Ninja ⚠️
— Dr Grandayy (@grandayy) November 9, 2018
We did what you asked for, now it's time for you to get that VICTORY ROYALE with @VoiceoverPete pic.twitter.com/yfD3hQX3LF
Roblox received its own version too.
So did Overwatch.
Even Undertale has its voiceover scam, this time helping Sans. (Bear in mind there’s some slight spoilers below.)
The meme has since spread outside of the gaming community. In one case, Pete serves as Thanos and asks the Avengers to help him stop overpopulation with the Infinity Gauntlet. He also dabs.
THANOS @VOICEOVERPETE pic.twitter.com/XXQYAxVgTN
— Dr Grandayy (@grandayy) November 10, 2018
Here’s another one where VoiceOverPete talks about “having an accident in my pants” and needing your credit card so Ben Shapiro can reach him. Now this is epic.
Another version is a bit more serious, tackling the European Union’s so-called “meme ban,” Article 13.
The most important @VoiceoverPete video yet#SaveYourInternet pic.twitter.com/9uBcFF6EhH
— Dr Grandayy (@grandayy) November 13, 2018
Unfortunately, VoiceOverPete was banned from Fiverr, with the site claiming that he was “producing videos that are being used for credit card scammers within the Fortnite community,” which are “illegal/unlawful activities”. His explanation video alone has reached 1.5 million views, and he’s since opened up a Patreon where he earns over $10,000 per month recording videos.
Suffice to say, Pete has nothing to fear. He’ll still be taking our credit cards one video at a time, earning all those epic Victory Royals along the way.
I found a template of this and I couldn't resist the urge@VoiceoverPete pic.twitter.com/v8kr2HtPdh
— jakksy_ (@JakksyVEVO) November 18, 2018