Police and anti-fraud squads have targeted areas
Authorities have ramped up efforts to target the use of modified Amazon Fire Sticks as part of a nationwide crackdown on digital piracy.
Police and anti-fraud squads are targeting the distribution and use of “dodgy” devicesโtampered versions of the popular media streaming sticks. These modified gadgets allow users to bypass subscription fees and gain unauthorised access to premium channels and content from legitimate providers, including Sky, BT Sport, Disney+, and Netflix.
While standard Fire Sticks are legal devices used for streaming videos, music, and apps, criminals have been infiltrating homes by selling hardware that has been illegally altered. Officials warn that these unauthorised modifications not only facilitate intellectual property theft but also expose users to significant security risks, including malware and data breaches, the Mirror reports.
Amazon's latest Fire Stick model is proving a tough nut to crack for those looking to illicitly stream shows. The most recent Fire TV Stick was released a few months ago, just before Amazon's worldwide clampdown on piracy.
A spokesperson for National Trading Standards previously warned: “Accessing pirated content through illegal TV fire sticks undermines the UK's entertainment industry, putting its talented workforce and supply chains at risk by depriving them of fair earnings and revenue. It also puts consumers at risk by exposing them to illegal software that can put their data and bank details in jeopardy.
“An important reminder to all those who buy and sell TV firesticks is that crime does not pay, it breaches copyright law and we encourage people to report suspected cases to the Citizens Advice consumer service.”
It's believed that almost five million people…