A stark warning has been issued to UK households tempted by cheap, illegal streaming services, as new research reveals users are facing financial fraud bills averaging a shocking £1,680.
The popularity of illicit methods to access premium content from platforms like Sky and Netflix is on the rise, with many turning to adapted set-top boxes and so-called 'dodgy' Fire TV Sticks to watch the latest films, sports, and TV series.
The High Price of Cheap Streams
According to a comprehensive survey from the campaign group BeStreamWise, the financial repercussions are severe. A staggering 40 per cent of people who admitted to using illegal streams have fallen victim to financial fraud.
The research indicates that scammers operating these unofficial services often use the sign-up process to steal credit card and bank details. This information is then used to raid victims' accounts, with the Mirror reporting that the average amount stolen is £1,680. For some, the damage is far worse, with one in ten victims suffering losses of around £7,500.
A False Economy for Viewers
This criminal activity creates a devastating false economy for users. While illegal streamers save an average of just £13.38 per month (or £160 a year), the average amount they stand to lose is a staggering 950 per cent higher than their annual savings.
Cyber security expert Rob Shapland, an ethical hacker with 16 years of experience, explained the mechanics behind the scam. "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," he said.
"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."
Widespread Security Threats Beyond Fraud
For those who have managed to avoid direct financial theft, the threats are still pervasive. BeStreamWise found that nearly two-thirds of those who consumed illegal content in the past year encountered a security scare, such as malware infections or malicious pop-ups. Only 27 per cent of survey participants reported no such incidents.
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at the City of London Police emphasised the broader impact. "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," she stated.
"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."
DCI Warbey endorsed initiatives like BeStreamWise, which provide the public with the necessary tools and knowledge to enjoy content legally and securely, while vowing that authorities will continue to work to disrupt this illegal activity.
