Households across the UK are being warned about a dangerous scam involving cheap Amazon Fire TV Sticks that could lead to criminals emptying their bank accounts.
The Scale of the Problem
A recent survey conducted by BeStreamWise, a UK initiative established to counter illegal streaming, has revealed alarming statistics. The research found that two out of every five people who used illegal streaming services have fallen victim to fraud.
On average, each victim lost nearly £1,700 from their bank accounts as a direct result of using compromised streaming devices.
How the Scam Operates
The fraud typically occurs through what's known as a 'modded' Amazon Fire Stick. These devices, often sold cheaply online, are modified to access paid content illegally.
According to cybersecurity expert Rob Shapland of Cyonic Cyber, these modified devices create a serious security risk. "Alongside the stream of TV or sports, it will also install malware on to your computer," he explained. "This gives the criminal direct access to your computer as if they were sitting there."
The malware can include keyloggers that record every password you type, including those for online banking. "You are essentially volunteering to have your laptop hacked in many cases," Shapland warned.
Official Warnings and Broader Impact
DCI Emma Warbey of the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police emphasised the dangers. "Illegal streaming might look like a quick way to save money, but it's a false economy that can end up costing people thousands," she stated.
DCI Warbey also highlighted the wider consequences: "This is a crime that diverts funds away from the entertainment industries – money that supports thousands of technical and support staff. At the same time, it exposes end-users to the risks of data theft, cybercrime and fraud."
With the Christmas season approaching, authorities are particularly concerned that more people might be tempted by cheap streaming options, unaware of the significant financial risks they're taking with their personal banking information and digital security.
