Over a thousand users of illegal streaming services have been targeted, as law enforcement target customers of services under investigation.
Details obtained during police investigations into illegal streaming providers.
Customers bought modified streaming devices.
High proportion of illegal streaming customers at risk of fraud.
Cease and desist messages have been issued to users of illegal streaming services, warning them they are at risk of prosecution.
The messages have been sent by UK Intellectual Property protection organisation FACT in collaboration with police forces nationwide.
Details of people using illegal streaming services were obtained during investigations in to the operators of multiple illegal services, including a Merseyside-based service. Law enforcement seized details of customers who had purchased access to so-called ‘loaded’ Firesticks, Android, or Kodi devices. The services allow users to watch premium football and other sports from Sky and TNT Sports. Some services pirate overseas sports networks, to circumvent the 3pm blackout applied to Saturday afternoon fixtures.
With their contact details now logged with police, those customers have now been contacted directly to warn them of the dangers of continuing to use illegal streaming services.
Risk of prosecution
FACT points out that people who access illegal TV streaming services are potentially liable to prosecution for criminal offences, including under Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006. FACT’s latest campaign warns end users that they are not anonymous and that watching unauthorised content carries serious risks.
Users more at risk of fraud
In an addition to facing legal action, research published earlier this year by BeStreamWise indicated that users of modified streaming devices put themselves at risk of more fraud.
Nearly two in five (39%) illegal streamers have suffered financial losses due to cybercrime linked to piracy. The average amount stolen is £1,680. One in ten have lost more than £5,000.
In contrast, illegal streamers estimate they save just £13.38 a month, on average, by not paying for official subscriptions. This is around £160 a year.
BeStreamWise is supported by broadcasters including Sky, whose content is being pirated.
The increased risk of fraud is a result of users handing over their card or bank details and other personal information that can be used to commit crimes. Illegal streaming providers are often linked to wider criminal networks, supporting money laundering and drugs trafficking.
FACT chairman Kieron Sharp said:
“This campaign makes it clear that end users of illegal streaming services are breaking the law. The risks are real, from potential criminal liability to exposure to scams, viruses, and harmful content. We urge people to protect themselves and their families by only using legitimate providers.”
Detective Sergeant Adam Dagnall of Merseyside Police’s Cybercrime Unit added:
“Merseyside Police takes illegal streaming seriously because it often helps fund organised crime and puts users at real risk. Not only is it a criminal offence, but the unauthorised streaming services frequently contain malware that can compromise personal devices and lead to the loss of information such as banking details, or be used to commit identity fraud. Legitimate providers have security measures that protect users from these threats. Please don’t be tempted by cheap so-called ‘fully loaded’ or ‘jailbroken’ devices…”
By: Marc Thornham