Watching Sky TV for free might sound tempting, but there could be a huge hidden cost.
Millions of homes have switched off their pay TV plans and moved over to streaming via unofficial providers. These illegal services sound massively tempting, with many supplying so-called “dodgy” Fire TV Sticks, which usually come pre-loaded with premium content such as Sky Sports and Sky Cinema.
Once plugged into the back of TVs, homes get instant access to expensive channels for a vastly reduced yearly fee and sometimes even free.
With the cost-of-living crisis still hurting wallets and official subscriptions costing hundreds of pounds a year, it’s hardly surprising that millions have been tempted to this cheaper way of viewing TV.
However, it’s definitely not without its risks. New research from anti-illegal streaming initiative, BeStreamWise, says 1 in 4 scam victims believe they were targeted as a direct result of online piracy.
That’s a very worrying statistic that not only puts private data at risk but could also leave people seriously out of pocket.
The BeStreamWise study discovered that illegal streamers can lose four times as much money when scammed as those who don’t pirate content. That means streamers who are attacked face a £5,486 bill compared to £1,328.
One user of illegal streaming services – called “Mark” – confirmed that he was targeted and his bank account hacked after a friend set up a “dodgy” device in his property.
Explaining more, Mark said: “I used to think illegal streaming was harmless, but after my bank details were stolen and someone attempted to load thousands onto a prepaid card, it made me realise how dangerous it could be, and I stopped immediately.”
It might not come as a surprise to learn that illegal streaming sites and apps are often used to deliver dangerous malware, with 76 percent of the UK’s 30 most-visited pirate sites actively exposing users to scams, financial fraud, and explicit content.
“People might think that illegal streaming is a quick and harmless way to dodge a subscription fee, but the reality is now looking far riskier,” said Matt Allwright, presenter, journalist and consumer champion.
“Clicking on the wrong link or using a dodgy box or stick could open the door to criminals, who are more than happy to help themselves to your personal details, finances and even your identity. What seems like a ‘free’ way to enjoy your favourite content could quickly end up with you paying a much higher price than you expected.”
Along with users of illegal streams being put at risk, those supplying streaming devices can also end up in trouble.
In October last year, Cormac McGuckin, who had 23 previous convictions, including theft and fraud, was sentenced to four years in prison for running an illegal streaming service which gave subscribers access to Sky Sports and BT Sports free of charge.
“This new research shows that those seeking ‘free’ content may in fact be paying a far higher price,” said Liz Bales, CEO of the British Association for Screen Entertainment and the Digital Entertainment Group International (DEGI).
“Illegal streaming is not a victimless crime – it harms the creative industries, but simultaneously it exposes users to scams, theft, and malware with dangerous and far-reaching personal consequences.”