Table of Contents
- Warning About Illegal Streaming
- Financial Losses from Fraud
- Expert Opinion on Streaming Risks
- Amazon's Action Against Illegal Streaming
BRITS have been cautioned about the severe impact of illegal streaming on their finances.
Experts have calculated that the average victim of fraud when signing up for illegal streaming loses £1,680.
Fraudsters have stolen an average of £1,680 from individuals who engage in illegal content streaming.Credit: Getty
The anti-piracy initiative BeStreamWise has issued a new warning ahead of Christmas, as many people are expected to receive streaming devices as gifts.
Nearly four in ten Brits (38 percent) have confessed that they would consider accessing content through unofficial sources, according to a survey of 2,000 individuals.
Furthermore, almost nine in ten (88 percent) admit that they do not fully understand the risks to their personal and financial information when streaming content illegally.
However, research from BeStreamWise last month revealed that around two-fifths (39 percent) of users who engage in illegal streaming have experienced financial losses.
The average amount taken from them is £1,680.
“Illegal streaming during the festive season could turn Christmas viewing into an expensive error, especially this year with more devices connected in our homes than ever before,” stated Rob Shapland, an ethical hacker and cybersecurity expert.
“It’s simply not worth the risk.”
“Those who resort to illegal streaming sites or applications are putting themselves at risk of phishing attacks, malware, harmful advertisements, and compromised platforms designed specifically to collect personal and financial information.”
“Instead, enjoy the fantastic Christmas TV lineup safely and legally.”
This warning coincides with the intensification of anti-piracy applications available via modified “dodgy” Fire Sticks.
Users of illegal streaming platforms may find them blocked on their devices.
WHY HAS AMAZON BLOCKED ILLEGAL STREAMING ON FIRE STICKS?
Here's what tech industry expert Paolo Pescatore from PP Foresight has to say...
“Bottom line, it was overdue, and it is the right move,” he told The Sun.
“There’s a lot more the industry can do collectively.
“An increasing number of people are streaming illegally, often believing that the services are legitimate.
“Sports is typically the category that attracts the most attention, given the rising costs.
“As the industry moves towards direct-to-consumer services online, this issue will only grow.
“Everyone must contribute to solving this problem, which is costing the industry significant amounts of money.”
Image credit: Getty
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of illegal streaming?
Illegal streaming can expose users to various risks, including phishing attacks, malware infections, and the theft of personal and financial information.
How much money can be lost through illegal streaming?
On average, victims of fraud related to illegal streaming lose approximately £1,680.
Why has Amazon blocked illegal streaming on Fire Sticks?
Amazon has taken measures to block illegal streaming to protect users from risks and to address the growing issue of illegal streaming services that mislead consumers.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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