BRITS have been warned about the nasty consequence of illegal streaming to their own bank account.
Experts have worked out that the average victim of fraud when signing up to illegal apps loses £1,680.
Anti piracy initiative BeStreamWise has issued a fresh caution ahead of Christmas as many look set to receive streaming device gifts under the tree.
Almost four in ten Brits (38 per cent) have admitted that they would consider accessing Christmas content via unofficial sources, according to a poll of 2,000 people.
And nearly nine in ten (88 per cent) say they don’t fully consider the risks to their personal and financial information when streaming content illegally.
Yet research by BeStreamWise last month revealed that about two fifths (39 per cent) of illegal stream users have suffered financial losses.
Read more about streaming
STREAM OVER
Amazon BANS popular Fire Stick app ‘used to get around illegal streaming block’
FIRED UP
New BAN warning to Premier League fans watching illegally on ‘dodgy’ Fire Sticks
The average amount stolen from them is £1,680.
“Illegal streaming over the festive period could turn Christmas viewing into a costly mistake, particularly this year when more devices than ever are connected in our homes,” said Rob Shapland, an ethical hacker and cyber security expert.
“It’s just not worth it.
“Those turning to illegal streaming sites or apps are exposing themselves to phishing attacks, malware, malicious ads and compromised platforms designed specifically to harvest personal and financial data.
“Instead, enjoy the brilliant Christmas TV schedule in a safe – and legal – way.”
The warning comes as Amazon intensifies anti piracy apps accessible via modified “dodgy” Fire Sticks.
Users recently started noticing that illegal streaming platforms are blocked on devices.
WHY HAS AMAZON BLOCKED ILLEGAL STREAMING ON FIRE STICKS?
Here’s what tech industry expert Paolo Pescatore, of PP Foresight, thinks…
“Bottom line, it was about time, and it is the right thing to do,” he told The Sun.
“There’s much more the industry can do as a whole.
“More and more people are streaming illegally, and in many cases, they think the services are genuine.
“Sports is typically the genre that generates the most attention, given the escalating costs.
“With moves towards direct-to-consumer services online, the issue will only proliferate.
“Everyone has to do their part to address this problem, which is costing the industry a lot of money.”
Image credit: Getty
