Using dodgy illegal streaming services could be more risky than you think
A warning has been issued as the illegal streaming Sky and other premium platforms continues to rise in popularity. UK households looking to save money may be tempted by so-called ‘dodgy’ Fire TV Sticks or other adapted set-top boxes, as they offer a cheap way of tuning into the latest TV series, sports and films.
However, as tempting as it may be, illegal streaming platforms can end up leaving homes with a nasty surprise in the form of a substantial bill. In fact, some UK users have been left facing costs of £1,680.
According to new research from BeStreamWise, a staggering 40 per cent of illegal streamers who took part in their survey have fallen victim to financial fraud. Fraud is a common issue when signing up to unofficial streams, with scammers using the data supplied to steal credit card details. These can then be used to raid accounts, reports the Mirror.
BeStreamWise revealed that the average amount of money taken from accounts is an upsetting £1,680. Some victims have been hit by even bigger costs, with one in 10 people suffering £7,500 losses.
Even though those using illegal streams could be saving a few pounds a month, it’s not worth the risk. BeStreamWise’s research found that, on average, illegal streamers cut their costs by £13.38 a month, or £160 a year. The average value people stand to lose is therefore 950 per cent higher than the average amount they save each year.
Rob Shapland, an ethical hacker with 16 years’ experience in cyber security, said: “It’s easy to assume that you’re saving money by accessing illegal streams, but the reality is that criminals use these as a way of stealing your personal details and passwords. The primary goal of these criminals is to get access to your credit card details or bank account. The moment you plug in a modified device to your TV, or download an illegal streaming app on your phone or tablet, you’ve done all the hard work for them.”
For those lucky enough to have avoided scams, many have still had close calls. BeStreamWise reports that nearly two-thirds of those who have consumed content illegally over the past year said they’ve encountered a security scare including incidents such as malware and malicious pop-ups. Just 27 per cent of those who participated in the survey said it had never happened to them.
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey for the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police said: “Illegal streaming might look like a quick way to save money, but as this research shows, it’s a false economy that can end up costing people thousands. This is a crime that diverts funds away from the entertainment industries – money that supports thousands of technical and support staff. At the same time, it exposes end users to the risks of data theft, cyber crime and fraud.”
She added: “This research is crucial for helping us understand those dangers and why initiatives like BeStreamWise matter. They give the public the tools and knowledge to stay safe online and enjoy content legally and securely. We will continue to work collaboratively to ensure that this activity is disrupted and those involved are held to account.”
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