The 'high price' households face for using 'dodgy box' streaming services

Yahoo

29-03-2025

UK households making use of unlawful streaming devices are being cautioned about the potential 'high cost' linked to these gadgets.
The habit of watching television shows, sports events, and films without proper subscriptions from providers like Sky, Virgin, or BT has spiked in popularity lately.
Given that legitimate TV packages can set you back a fair few hundred quid annually, it's understandable why some viewers might resort to pirated streams for little to no cost.
However, there's a catch with these illicit streamers.
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Fresh findings from BeStreamWise, a campaign against illegal streaming, showcase that one out of four individuals conned online pin their issues on digital piracy activities.
Their research underscores that those indulging in illegal streams suffer four-fold more financial losses to scams than non-pirates.
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Non-users of unlawful devices average scam losses of £1,328, whereas illegal stream users face heftier setbacks, averaging scam losses of £5,486.
One individual recounted his ordeal with illegal streaming services to Express. After a mate rigged up such a device at his place, Mark's bank details got nicked, leading to an attempt to shift thousands onto a prepaid card.
Mark confessed: "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."
Illegal streaming sites and apps might seem like an easy way to access content for free, but research shows they pose significant risks. An alarming 76 per cent of the UK's most frequented pirate platforms are rife with scams, financial fraud, and explicit material, putting users in harm's way.
TV presenter Matt Allwright warned: "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."
He highlighted the dangers: "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."
Allwright continued to underscore the potential costs: "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."
Adding to these concerns, Liz Bales, CEO of the British Association for Screen Entertainment and the DEGI, remarked: "This new research shows that those seeking 'free' content may, in fact, be paying a far higher price."
Bales also touched on the broader impact of illegal streaming: "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."