Why I Invested in a Cybertruck for My Business and Spent $400 on Self-Defense Training After Receiving Threats

Vanessa Voss, a 42-year-old business owner in Tacoma, Washington, has recently faced a wave of online harassment after purchasing a Cybertruck for her company, Voss Insurance Group. It’s not just any vehicle; it’s a marketing tool dressed in her agency’s colors, complete with her photo on the front.

Voss Insurance specializes in guiding clients through retirement and Medicare enrollment. Despite not working for the government, they help individuals enroll in various Medicare plans. The Cybertruck’s unique design offers plenty of space for branding, which is why she made the investment before the vehicle became a political lightning rod.

However, things took a dark turn. Voss began receiving hostile phone calls, some even containing death threats. One caller went so far as to accuse her of being a Nazi and told her to take her own life. Over the course of a weekend, she received a staggering 12 calls, many from blocked numbers. This prompted her to file a police report.

In a world where online actions often spill into real life, Voss noticed a distinct pattern in the calls she received. They seemed orchestrated—different voices but similar threatening messages, indicating a potential coordinated attack against her business due to the Cybertruck.

As the harassment continued, Voss took tangible steps to protect herself and her employees. She organized a self-defense class for her all-female team, which covered essential tactics for de-escalation and handling threats, emphasizing their safety at work. The environment on her staff became tense, but they are committed to creating a safe space amid the chaos.

“I am completely disheartened that people think it’s okay to attack anyone,” Voss stated. She believes many who harass her business are unaware of the role she plays in helping others navigate Medicare and retirement. She finds their behavior baffling, noting it reflects a lack of respect for someone’s profession simply because of a vehicle they drive.

In today’s volatile social climate, this incident highlights how personal and professional spaces can intertwine in unexpected and troubling ways. People are quick to judge, often without seeking the truth. Social media platforms amplify outrage, leading to real-life consequences, such as threats and harassment.

It’s not just Voss who faces this. A recent study highlighted that nearly 70% of small business owners have faced online harassment at some point. Many experienced similar issues where their businesses were attacked due to political affiliations or social controversies. This reflects an ongoing trend where a single, potentially polarizing aspect of a business can lead to targeted campaigns against them.

Despite everything, Voss remains resolute. She has no plans to sell the Cybertruck. She refuses to be intimidated into backing down from her entrepreneurial efforts. “It takes courage to build a successful business,” she asserts, and she will not allow a group of harassers to dictate her actions.

In the end, Voss’s story is a reminder of the complexities of modern business life. While branding and marketing are vital parts of success, the personal stakes involved often carry heavy emotional and physical implications.



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