With the cost of living still spiralling upwards, it's no surprise that consumers are looking for free ways to watch the telly. It's no secret that a basic Sky/Virgin TV contract costs around £36 and that doesn't include access to sports and movie channels - add those and bills can push towards £80 per month.
It's a massive expense but before you start typing the words "free streams" into Google there is a word of warning. A new UK initiative, called BeStreamWise, is warning of the dangers of watching premium content without paying and has even highlighted the issues by showing how easily tricked people are into handing over personal data.
The BeStreamWise team, which included Social Engineer Jenny Radcliffe, set up a fake free streaming brand at Paddington Station in London where passers-by were promised full access to premium content via the scan of a simple QR code.
Most of those duped by the spoof "MalStreams" brand, never read the terms and conditions and happily entered data including their name, home address, household information and even financial details.
Of course, this data didn't end up in the hands of hackers but BeStreamWise is hoping that it's a reminder to people that accessing illegal streams can put them in serious peril.
Speaking on the dangers of illegal streaming, Jenny Radcliffe, Social Engineer and People Hacker said: “The perception that illegal streaming is a victimless crime is completely inaccurate. The sites that host these services are loaded with malicious links, back doors and tricks to access people’s digital and financial information, giving professional criminals an open invitation to steal from anyone who engages in these activities."
If you have engaged in illegal streaming then it's a good idea to keep a regular check over your bank account to make sure money isn't being removed without your permission.
It's also a good idea to avoid clicking on pop-up adverts that offer free access to content as these can often be full of data streaming malware.
BeStreamWise is a joint venture between FACT, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), Crimestoppers, British Association for Screen Entertainment (BASE), Sky, Premier League, and ITV.
The service says it's been set up to help viewers consider the personal risks of streaming illegally and identify safer options to enjoy their favourite content.
Speaking about the service Matt Hibbert, Director of Anti-Piracy, UK and ROI, at Sky, said: “We’re proud to support the launch of BeStreamWise.com alongside our industry peers. We’re seeing more and more evidence of links between those involved in operating illegal streaming services and organised crime, and this initiative aims to increase public awareness of the risks of piracy, empowering audiences to safeguard themselves while enjoying the content they love.”