Latest news with #KieronSharp
The Irish Sun
28-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Dodgy Facebook crook tried to sell me shady £80 Fire Stick… then threatened to come to my HOUSE
AS I sit and scroll through my phone, I'm being bombarded with shady adverts on Facebook offering dodgy devices with 80,000 premium channels and movies. And it didn't take long for Facebook crooks to reach out to me offering their illicit services - but this time, the criminals are going one terrifying step further. 4 Some illegal streaming devices look just like Sky, as seen here Credit: Facebook 4 You can easily find crooks selling illegal Fire Sticks on Facebook Credit: Facebook In the message, they not only offered "24,000 channels" including Sky Sports as well as movies and series in "HD quality" - they also offered to deliver to my address and install. It might seem like great customer service, but it could put you at risk of "physical harm", experts warned me, with unscrupulous characters turning up at your door. Not only that, Brits in possession of an illegal Fire Stick could receive a £1,000 fine, while those caught selling Firesticks could face jail time. Some Kieron Sharp , chairman at the anti-piracy organisation FACT, told The Sun: "It's alarming that criminals can openly advertise illegal streaming services and turn up at people's homes to install them. "Letting them in puts you at risk — not just physically, but digitally too." Fire Stick maker Amazon has faced criticism for not doing enough to tackle illegal streaming on its devices. The gadget's open tech is meant to give people more freedom to download apps outside Amazon's own app store, but it's also susceptible to abuse by illegal streaming operators. An Amazon spokesperson said: "Piracy is illegal, and customers should not buy these devices." It's become a major problem for broadcasters and sports bodies, estimated to cost them billions every year, and they're increasingly frustrated about the lack of action from tech companies. IPTV Crackdown Matt Hibbert, Group Director Anti-Piracy at Sky, said firms want to see faster action from big tech platforms. "We know they have the technology and the capability, now we need to see action," he told The Sun. 'I will deliver' I was approached by an account on Facebook called "Firestick updating", which randomly added me with an open profile and very clear intentions. "SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE!!!" a post on their page unashamedly reads, alongside a photo of boxes and boxes of Fire Sticks. Another image shows a rip-off of the Sky Glass interface. It continues: "£60 for year subscription. "£80 for loaded stick no shipping charges." Within minutes of accepting their friend request, I received a private message. They bragged: "I've worldwide 24,000 channels with all sports channels 80,000 daily basis updated movies and series in HD quality. 4 One seller assured me the cops can't trace the device 4 The crook also offered to hand-deliver the illegal streaming stick "You'll have everything Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple T,V Disney+, full Sky package all sports channels ppv events all Irish UK USA TV channels, movies and series on demand. When I asked if it was traceable, they responded, "No mate, not at all". What shocked me even more was that the person offered to come to my house and install it there and then. Although I didn't share my address, just my rough location, I felt quite intimidated by the offer. They wrote: "I will deliver it and set it up for you." Curiously, researching the matter on Facebook seemed to make Meta's algorithm think I was interested in illegal streaming, and loads of very obvious ads started to appear. While it may seem like a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey City of London Police Illegal streaming operations usually have ties to gangs, and the money they get from it funds other serious forms of criminal activity. So the idea of having a stranger who might have dodgy links turning up at my front door was quite scary, and more so considering vulnerable people who might allow them into their homes. Jake Moore, from security firm ESET, said: "Devices sounding too good to be true and sold by someone you don't know coming to your house should be the first alarm bell, but these devices have been known to ship with viruses and other dodgy programs onboard." STRANGER DANGER The risks of illegal streaming to your online life can also be pretty devastating. Fraud is the biggest consequence. We've heard from users who chanced it and had their bank account instantly accessed. A 46-year-old Brit - who has asked to remain anonymous - was Sky Sports . But shortly after entering his bank details a surge of transactions were attempted on his account totalling several thousand pounds. "A couple of friends had already done it and they had no issues," he revealed to The Sun. "It all seemed quite secure, so I didn't even think at the time. "After that, the payment was taken but there were all sorts of transactions on my bank account for quite a large amount of money which were on various times and various dates for different amounts. "It's scary really, they attempted thousands." Meta's website says the company removes "millions of violating posts and accounts every day on Facebook and Instagram", which can range from serious crime like terrorism, to sexual content not allowed on the platforms. " Most of this happens automatically, with technology working behind the scenes to remove violating content – often before anyone sees it ," the company claims. When reaching out to Meta about the influx of illegal streaming ads on my Facebook profile, the examples I showed were quickly taken down. But many more blatantly illegal streaming services have simply replaced them, many featuring Meta's new WhatsApp button so you can chat to sellers immediately. Meta told The Sun that reviewing ads from millions of advertisers globally against its advertising standards is essential, but not without challenges. These devices can expose your Wi-Fi network, steal personal data, spread scams, and infect your devices with malware and viruses. We urge consumers to think twice Kieron Sharp FACT The company emphasised that it doesn't allow fraudulent activity and works closely with law enforcement to support investigations and keep scammers off its platforms. Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police, told us: "Illegal streaming is a significant challenge for the industry and while it may seem like a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity. At the same time, it can expose consumers to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware. "The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit works with partners across law enforcement and the industry to take action against these criminal operations by utilising our full suite of enforcement options, including pursuing criminal prosecutions and serving 'cease and desist' notices to offenders." While it might seem like a tempting offer, Brits be warned - criminals behind the computer screens are not just looking to infiltrate your digital life but your home life too. WHAT'S AMAZON DOING ABOUT IT? Amazon has previously been criticised by Sky for not doing enough to tackle piracy. The tech giant told The Sun that bad actors are abusing and misusing the developer features that are part of the open-source operating system running on Fire TV devices. Though manufactured by Amazon, these devices are jailbroken which not only violates the company's policies on intellectual property rights, but also compromises the security of customers, it added. A spokesperson said: "Piracy is illegal, and customers should not buy these devices. Individuals and criminal groups have been convicted in connection with the resale of devices preloaded with piracy-enabling apps, and we will continue to work with authorities and industry partners to stop these sales." Image credit: AP
The Sun
28-06-2025
- The Sun
Dodgy Facebook crook tried to sell me shady £80 Fire Stick… then threatened to come to my HOUSE
AS I sit and scroll through my phone, I'm being bombarded with shady adverts on Facebook offering dodgy devices with 80,000 premium channels and movies. And it didn't take long for Facebook crooks to reach out to me offering their illicit services - but this time, the criminals are going one terrifying step further. 4 4 In the message, they not only offered "24,000 channels" including Sky Sports as well as movies and series in "HD quality" - they also offered to deliver to my address and install. It might seem like great customer service, but it could put you at risk of "physical harm", experts warned me, with unscrupulous characters turning up at your door. Not only that, Brits in possession of an illegal Fire Stick could receive a £1,000 fine, while those caught selling Firesticks could face jail time. Some dodgy dealers have already been locked up for operating criminal streaming sites as part of a global crackdown, but it's the offer to come to your home address and help install the Fire Stick that'd worrying experts. Kieron Sharp, chairman at the anti-piracy organisation FACT, told The Sun: "It's alarming that criminals can openly advertise illegal streaming services and turn up at people's homes to install them. "Letting them in puts you at risk — not just physically, but digitally too." Fire Stick maker Amazon has faced criticism for not doing enough to tackle illegal streaming on its devices. The gadget's open tech is meant to give people more freedom to download apps outside Amazon's own app store, but it's also susceptible to abuse by illegal streaming operators. An Amazon spokesperson said: "Piracy is illegal, and customers should not buy these devices." It's become a major problem for broadcasters and sports bodies, estimated to cost them billions every year, and they're increasingly frustrated about the lack of action from tech companies. IPTV Crackdown Matt Hibbert, Group Director Anti-Piracy at Sky, said firms want to see faster action from big tech platforms. "We know they have the technology and the capability, now we need to see action," he told The Sun. 'I will deliver' I was approached by an account on Facebook called "Firestick updating", which randomly added me with an open profile and very clear intentions. "SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE!!!" a post on their page unashamedly reads, alongside a photo of boxes and boxes of Fire Sticks. Another image shows a rip-off of the Sky Glass interface. It continues: "£60 for year subscription. "£80 for loaded stick no shipping charges." Within minutes of accepting their friend request, I received a private message. They bragged: "I've worldwide 24,000 channels with all sports channels 80,000 daily basis updated movies and series in HD quality. 4 "You'll have everything Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple T,V Disney+, full Sky package all sports channels ppv events all Irish UK USA TV channels, movies and series on demand. When I asked if it was traceable, they responded, "No mate, not at all". What shocked me even more was that the person offered to come to my house and install it there and then. Although I didn't share my address, just my rough location, I felt quite intimidated by the offer. They wrote: "I will deliver it and set it up for you." Curiously, researching the matter on Facebook seemed to make Meta 's algorithm think I was interested in illegal streaming, and loads of very obvious ads started to appear. Illegal streaming operations usually have ties to gangs, and the money they get from it funds other serious forms of criminal activity. So the idea of having a stranger who might have dodgy links turning up at my front door was quite scary, and more so considering vulnerable people who might allow them into their homes. Jake Moore, from security firm ESET, said: "Devices sounding too good to be true and sold by someone you don't know coming to your house should be the first alarm bell, but these devices have been known to ship with viruses and other dodgy programs onboard." STRANGER DANGER The risks of illegal streaming to your online life can also be pretty devastating. Fraud is the biggest consequence. We've heard from users who chanced it and had their bank account instantly accessed. A 46-year-old Brit - who has asked to remain anonymous - was referred to a cheap streaming site which gives users access to premium channels including Sky Sports. But shortly after entering his bank details a surge of transactions were attempted on his account totalling several thousand pounds. "A couple of friends had already done it and they had no issues," he revealed to The Sun. "It all seemed quite secure, so I didn't even think at the time. "After that, the payment was taken but there were all sorts of transactions on my bank account for quite a large amount of money which were on various times and various dates for different amounts. "It's scary really, they attempted thousands." Meta's website says the company removes "millions of violating posts and accounts every day on Facebook and Instagram", which can range from serious crime like terrorism, to sexual content not allowed on the platforms. "Most of this happens automatically, with technology working behind the scenes to remove violating content – often before anyone sees it," the company claims. When reaching out to Meta about the influx of illegal streaming ads on my Facebook profile, the examples I showed were quickly taken down. But many more blatantly illegal streaming services have simply replaced them, many featuring Meta's new WhatsApp button so you can chat to sellers immediately. Meta told The Sun that reviewing ads from millions of advertisers globally against its advertising standards is essential, but not without challenges. These devices can expose your Wi-Fi network, steal personal data, spread scams, and infect your devices with malware and viruses. We urge consumers to think twice Kieron SharpFACT The company emphasised that it doesn't allow fraudulent activity and works closely with law enforcement to support investigations and keep scammers off its platforms. Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police, told us: "Illegal streaming is a significant challenge for the industry and while it may seem like a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity. At the same time, it can expose consumers to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware. "The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit works with partners across law enforcement and the industry to take action against these criminal operations by utilising our full suite of enforcement options, including pursuing criminal prosecutions and serving 'cease and desist' notices to offenders." While it might seem like a tempting offer, Brits be warned - criminals behind the computer screens are not just looking to infiltrate your digital life but your home life too.
Extra.ie
19-06-2025
- Extra.ie
Can I get in trouble for having a 'dodgy box' in my home?
The Data Protection Commission said they are engaging with Sky in a fresh clampdown on 'dodgy boxes'. It comes as the broadcaster issued a 'consequences' warning to thousands of dodgy box users if they are caught streaming content illegally. Pic: Getty Images 'Dodgy boxes' are devices which allow users to watch pay TV channels illegally. Sellers provide customers with codes or links to watch streamed premium content, including sports, movies and more. Typically, the content is downloaded onto an Amazon Fire Stick, which can be plugged into a TV. Sellers have a range of services, ranging in different prices, with some as low as €50 annually. The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) are working alongside An Garda Síochána as part of the clampdown on illegal streaming operators. Typically, the content is downloaded onto an Amazon Fire Stick which can be plugged into a TV. Pic: Getty Images Sellers are 'breaking the law, making criminal profits and putting consumers at real risk of malware, data loss and identity theft,' Kieron Sharp, chairman of FACT states. Under the Copyright Act 2000 it is illegal to see or use a 'dodgy box,' with those breaking the law facing a fine of up to €127,000 or a maximum prison sentence of five years. FACT also state that many of the piracy networks are linked to organised crime, with profits gained from selling the service likely used to fund other illegal activities. The illicit streaming of Internet Protocol Television is a copyright offence under Section 140 of the Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000. Pic: Getty Images The clampdown on 'dodgy boxes' started in 2023 following a rise in the use of the illegal platforms. It came following an EU report that Ireland had the sixth highest use of the gadgets across Europe with 171,000 people using the services. While Gardaí previously focused on the sale of the gadgets, rather than leisurely use, it is still a punishable offence to use a dodgy box at home. A statement from An Garda Síochána told 'The Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI) Intellectual Property Crime Unit works with industry and service providers to investigate and prevent illicit streaming, this encompasses all content and not exclusively sports content. The illicit streaming of Internet Protocol Television is a copyright offence under Section 140 of the Copyright and related rights Act 2000. Last year, a married father-of-four was jailed for the possession of nearly €1m in criminal proceeds from his illegal streaming business. Ciaran Donovan had been operating King Kong Media which charged customers for codes to access pay TV channels such as Sky and BT Sports. Donovan was sentenced to three years and four months with the final two years suspended for a 30-month period on several conditions — including that he does not engage in any activity involving illegal TV streaming.
Scottish Sun
10-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Fire TV Stick loophole gives owners Sky's best premium channels for just 23p a day – but offer ends in days
Plus, everything you need to know about using an illegally modified Fire TV Stick AMAZ-ING Fire TV Stick loophole gives owners Sky's best premium channels for just 23p a day – but offer ends in days FIRE TV Stick owners will now be able to access expensive Sky streams without the need of "dodgy", illegal firesticks. Amazon is now offering a deal for people with Fire TV Sticks to get cheap Sky at a fraction of the cost. 3 Amazon Fire TV Stick users can get their hands on a new deal Credit: Getty 3 They would pay £6.99 for some of Sky NOW's best channels Credit: PA:Press Association The platform is giving people access to Sky's NOW streaming service for just £6.99 per month, which is £3 cheaper than what you would normally have to cough up. That price buys you the NOW Entertainment Membership, and includes access to Sky Comedy, Sky Atlantic, Sky Max, Sky Documentaries and Sky Crime. The discount applies for six months, meaning Fire TV Stick users will be able to access NOW for the rest of 2025. To get the offer you must be a new sign-up to NOW and get the deal before June 20. Access the NOW app on your Fire TV Stick to sign up and get the whopping discount. "You pay £6.99 a month for 6 months of Entertainment Membership instead of the usual selling price of £9.99 a month," Amazon said in a statement. The new deal comes as TV lovers are given harsh warnings about the serious consequences of using illegally modified Fire TV Sticks. A growing number of people in the UK are believed to be switching to illegal streaming devices, but the Federation Against Copyright Theft has warned this could lead to users having their ID stolen or their credit card details handed to criminals. Posts have begun flooding social media sites advertising modified Fire Sticks for just a few pounds. Some posts advertised all Sky channels plus streaming sites such as Netflix and Disney Plus for as little as £2.50 a month. Amazon Fire Stick trick lets you find lost remote instantly using hidden 'ringer' In comparison, if you were to pay for Sky Sports, it would set you back by at least £50 a month. Kieron Sharp, chairman of the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) said dodgy Fire Stick users are breaking the law too, and could end up being prosecuted. According to FACT, watching an illegal stream is an offence under the Fraud Act 2006, and has a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Where to buy a Fire TV Stick Fire TV Sticks are an easy way to add streaming to an older television. They're manufactured by Amazon, but you can buy them from a number of different stores. *If you click on a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue. UK Amazon Argos Currys John Lewis Very US Amazon Walmart Bestbuy Target But the biggest danger for consumers is from the malware that comes with illegally modified devices. "There's a real risk of having your identity stolen or similar," Sharp said. "If you give over your credit card details, you are giving them to criminals. "They could get access to the camera on your TV, if it has one, or microphone. "There is no safety or security with what you are getting with these modified devices." Amazon has said it has made changes to Fire Sticks to make it harder for criminals to modify them. An Amazon spokesperson said: 'Pirated content violates our policies regarding intellectual property rights, and compromises the security and privacy of our customers. 'We remain vigilant in our efforts to combat piracy and protect customers from the risks associated with pirated content, which includes prohibiting apps that infringe upon the rights of third parties in our Appstore, and warning customers of the risks associated with installing or using apps from unknown sources.'
The Irish Sun
10-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Fire TV Stick loophole gives owners Sky's best premium channels for just 23p a day – but offer ends in days
FIRE TV Stick owners will now be able to access expensive Sky streams without the need of "dodgy", illegal firesticks. Amazon is now offering a deal for people with Fire TV Sticks to get cheap Sky at a fraction of the cost. 3 Amazon Fire TV Stick users can get their hands on a new deal Credit: Getty 3 They would pay £6.99 for some of Sky NOW's best channels Credit: PA:Press Association The platform is giving people access to Sky's NOW streaming service for just £6.99 per month, which is £3 cheaper than what you would normally have to cough up. That price buys you the NOW Entertainment Membership, and includes access to Sky Comedy, Sky Atlantic, Sky Max, Sky Documentaries and Sky Crime. The discount applies for six months, meaning Fire TV Stick users will be able to access NOW for the rest of 2025. To get the offer you must be a new sign-up to NOW and get the deal before June 20. amazon Access the NOW app on your Fire TV Stick to sign up and get the whopping discount. "You pay £6.99 a month for 6 months of Entertainment Membership instead of the usual selling price of £9.99 a month," Amazon said in a statement. The new deal comes as TV lovers are given A growing number of people in the UK are believed to be switching to , but the Federation Against Copyright Theft has warned this could lead to users having their ID stolen or their credit card details handed to criminals. Most read in Tech Posts have begun flooding social media sites advertising modified Fire Sticks for just a few pounds. Some posts advertised all Sky channels plus streaming sites such as Netflix and Disney Plus for as little as £2.50 a month. Amazon Fire Stick trick lets you find lost remote instantly using hidden 'ringer' In comparison, if you were to pay for Sky Sports, it would set you back by at least £50 a month. Kieron Sharp, chairman of the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) said dodgy Fire Stick users are breaking the law too, and could end up being prosecuted. According to FACT, watching an illegal stream is an offence under the Fraud Act 2006, and has a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Where to buy a Fire TV Stick Fire TV Sticks are an easy way to add streaming to an older television. They're manufactured by Amazon, but you can buy them from a number of different stores. * If you click on a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue. UK US But the biggest danger for consumers is from the malware that comes with illegally modified devices. "There's a real risk of having your identity stolen or similar," Sharp said. "If you give over your credit card details, you are giving them to criminals. "They could get access to the camera on your TV, if it has one, or microphone. "There is no safety or security with what you are getting with these modified devices." Amazon has said it has made changes to Fire Sticks to make it harder for criminals to modify them. An Amazon spokesperson said: 'Pirated content violates our policies regarding intellectual property rights, and compromises the security and privacy of our customers. 'We remain vigilant in our efforts to combat piracy and protect customers from the risks associated with pirated content, which includes prohibiting apps that infringe upon the rights of third parties in our Appstore, and warning customers of the risks associated with installing or using apps from unknown sources.' 3 But many people have been warned about using 'dodgy' Fire Sticks Credit: Getty
