It’s no secret that millions of UK homes have turned to streaming content illegally online rather than paying for official subscriptions from firms such as Sky and Virgin Media. Many are lured over to illegal platforms with the promise of watching content such as Sky Sports and Cinema without being hit by expensive monthly bills. However, although that might sound incredibly enticing, it could end up costing way more than many may have hoped.
According to new research from the team at BeStreamWise, a whopping 40 percent of illegal streamers who took part in a survey say they have been hit by some sort of financial fraud. This is where hackers steal personal data or credit card details, which are then used to raid accounts.
BeStreamWise says that the average amount stolen is an eye-watering £1,680.
Making things even more terrifying is that a small number of those asked say they have been hit by even bigger costs, with the data revealing that one in 10 people lost more than £7,500.
These findings are especially stark when compared to the average amount illegal streamers estimate they save by not paying for official subscriptions.
BeStreamWise’s research found that, on average, this is just £13.38 a month, or £160 a year. The average value people stand to lose is therefore 950% higher than the average amount they save each year.
“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,” said Rob Shapland, an ethical hacker with 16 years’ experience in cyber security.
“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.”
Along with revealing that some have lost money, it’s also been confirmed that many more have had near misses.
In fact, BeStreamWise says almost two-thirds of those who have watched content illegally in the past year said they’ve had a security scare when doing so. These include things such as malware and malicious pop-ups.
Only 27 percent of those who took part in the survey said it has never happened to them.
Speaking about the dangers, 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.
“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.”