UK households are being warned that illegal streaming of Sky TV and other premium content could lead to financial losses of up to £1,680. According to new research from BeStreamWise, 40% of illegal streamers surveyed have experienced some form of financial fraud after signing up for unofficial streams.
The study found that hackers use the personal data supplied during registration to steal credit card details, with the average amount stolen being £1,680. Some users have reported even greater losses, with one in ten victims losing £7,500 or more.
While illegal streaming may seem like a cost-saving measure, the risks far outweigh the benefits. BeStreamWise's research indicates that illegal streamers save an average of £13.38 per month, or £160 per year. However, the average loss from fraud is 950% higher than the annual savings.
Rob Shapland, an ethical hacker with 16 years of experience in cyber security, explained: “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. The primary goal of these criminals is to get access to your credit card details or bank account.”
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey of the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police added: “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 and exposes end users to the risks of data theft, cyber crime and fraud.”
BeStreamWise also revealed that nearly two-thirds of those who have watched content illegally in the past year have experienced a security scare, such as malware or malicious pop-ups. Only 27% of survey participants reported never having such an issue.
