Fresh warning over illegal streaming and dodgy Fire Sticks

The alert comes amid growing concerns over the widespread use of modified TV Fire Sticks and so-called “dodgy boxes”.

These devices enable users to access premium content from providers such as Sky, TNT Sports, Disney+, and Netflix for free.

They typically have third-party software installed that bypasses copyright protections, making it easy to watch paid-for content without a valid subscription.

Users issued fresh warning about dangers of 'dodgy' Fire Sticks

Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) Investigations Manager Nick Sumner has issued a fresh warning about the use of illegal streaming services in a new BBC InDepth feature.

Mr Sumner explained the use of these devices is illegal and poses serious risks to users, including exposure to fraud and the potential theft of personal information.

He said: "Organised crime is behind this, and they want to make money by any means possible.

"They capture a lot of personal data, which they can then sell for criminal gain."

Authorities across the UK and Ireland, including police forces, Crimestoppers, and FACT, are working to combat the growing trade in illegal streaming devices.

The dangers of using illegal streaming devices

"Illegal streaming services are increasingly operated by sophisticated criminal networks, often involved in other types of crime," BeStreamWise added.

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Meaning those who use illegal streaming devices run the risk of "letting criminals in", resulting in:

• Viruses and malware
• ID theft, scams, and fraud
• Inappropriate content

Around 39% of illegal streamers in the UK have suffered financial losses due to cybercrime linked to piracy, according to BeStreamWise.

The average amount stolen through illegal streaming is £1,680, while one in ten have lost more than £5,000.

Illegal streaming devices undermining UK sports broadcasters

Illegal streaming is not only a criminal offence but also undermines the financial foundations of the UK’s sports broadcasting industry.

The Premier League alone has sold domestic viewing rights for £6.7 billion over four years, with nearly as much earned from international deals.

This revenue supports clubs, enables the recruitment of top talent, and funds grassroots programmes across the country.

Premier League domestic viewing rights help support clubs and grassroots programmes across the UK. (Image: John Walton/The Press Association)

However, piracy threatens this model, the BBC InDepth feature said.

According to consultancy Ampere Analysis, around half of UK sports fans admit to using illegal means to access paywalled content, with the figure rising to more than 70% among 18 to 34-year-olds.

A keen Arsenal fan identified only as “Kiran,” a tech sector worker in his 30s, speaking to the BBC, said: "What it comes down to is the financial side – that's the big one – and ease of access as well.

"Getting every single game will cost you hundreds of pounds a year."

Kiran said he began using illegal streams partly because of the UK’s Saturday 3pm blackout, which restricts the broadcast of live football during certain hours to protect lower-league match attendance.

He said: "I pretty much got into streaming stuff due to [the blackout], and I'd say I sort of did it a bit more as subscriptions got more expensive."

Illegal streams are often shared through social media and online forums, and while they are usually free, they come with significant risks.

Many opt for modified streaming devices like Amazon Fire Sticks, which, when loaded with unauthorised software, can mimic legitimate TV services and offer access to a wide range of channels.

Others use virtual private networks (VPNs) to access content more cheaply or for free by appearing to be in another country.

More than 50% of sports fans are using illegal streaming devices

Despite the risks and illegality, more than half of fans surveyed by the Sports Industry Group said they believed illegal streaming was "socially acceptable."

The government’s Intellectual Property Office has identified high subscription costs and the perception of unfair pricing as major drivers of piracy.

A sports fan wanting full access to Premier League matches would need to subscribe to both Sky Sports and TNT Sports, with additional services required for European football, rugby, boxing, and other sports.

This could total around £80 to £100 per month.

In the past, broadcasters viewed piracy as a manageable business cost.

But with declining advertising revenues and a shift away from long-term subscriptions to more flexible streaming services, the financial impact of piracy has become a serious concern.

A recent report from WPI Economics estimates that illegal sports streaming costs the broadcasting industry around £700 million annually.

Sports fans can pay around £100 a month in subscriptions for full access to Premier League matches and European football. (Image: Getty Images/Sky)

The effects are already being felt in other countries.

In France, DAZN ended its broadcasting deal with the top football league partly due to piracy concerns.

The move forced the league to launch its own streaming platform, resulting in a drop in annual broadcast income from around £700 million to £412 million.

While the Premier League is unlikely to lose its broadcasting partners, piracy could affect future negotiations and reduce the overall value of broadcast deals.

What is the penalty if caught with a 'dodgy' Fire TV Stick?

In the UK, downloading or streaming pirated content can be a crime, but prosecutions of individual viewers remain extremely rare.

Despite this, several people have been jailed this year as the clampdown on illegal streaming devices in the UK continues.

Those caught using or selling a 'dodgy' fire stick/box and streaming premium content without paying are in breach of Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006.

It says a person will be in breach if they obtain services "without any payment having been made for or in respect of them or without payment having been made in full".

A person found guilty of this kind of offence could be fined or face a jail sentence of around five years.

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