Britons seeking to cut costs on TV subscriptions are being warned they could be handing criminals the keys to their financial lives. The culprit? A seemingly innocent 'jailbroken' Amazon Fire Stick purchased online for as little as £20.
A recent survey by the UK initiative BeStreamWise has uncovered a startling statistic: two out of every five people who use illegal streaming services have fallen victim to fraud. The average loss per victim is a staggering nearly £1,700.
How the 'Dodgy Stick' Scam Works
These modified, or 'modded', devices are sold through social media and illegal streaming sites, often advertised with the promise of free access to premium TV shows, blockbuster films, and live sports. The danger, however, begins the moment you plug the stick into your laptop or television.
According to Rob Shapland, an ethical hacker at Cyonic Cyber, the device does more than just stream content. "Alongside the stream it will also install some malware on to your computer and give the criminal direct access to your computer so they could use it as if they were sitting there," he explains.
"Or they can install keyloggers which will record any password you are typing. So when you are accessing online banking, it will record your banking passwords. You are essentially volunteering to have your laptop hacked in many cases."
The threat extends beyond a single device. Once connected to your home wifi network, the compromised stick can access other connected devices, such as laptops. Some scams even trick users into entering their Google account credentials, which are then sent directly to criminals. Given that many people reuse passwords, this one breach can unlock a hundred different online accounts.
The Real Cost of a 'Bargain'
DCI Emma Warbey of the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at the City of London Police emphasises the double jeopardy of using these devices. "Illegal streaming might look like a quick way to save money, but it's a false economy that can end up costing people thousands," she states.
"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, cybercrime and fraud."
In one stark example cited by BeStreamWise, a man who was streaming illegally had his bank details stolen on two separate occasions, and a criminal subsequently attempted to purchase a boat using his identity.
What to Do If You've Used a Modded Stick
If you suspect you have been using an illegal streaming device, take immediate action to secure your personal information.
Remove the device immediately from your television or computer.
Change the passwords for all critical sites and apps, especially your online banking, investment platforms, pensions, and PayPal. Wherever possible, turn on multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
Run a comprehensive virus scan on your computer using reputable, free antivirus software available online. Ensure you undo any changes the stick's software may have made to your antivirus settings.
If you believe you have been defrauded, report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting centre, and contact your bank without delay. Amazon has confirmed it works with authorities to stop these sales, stating plainly: "Piracy is illegal, and customers should not buy these devices."
