A fresh illegal Fire Stick warning has been issued after police are cracking down on users by tracing payments through sellers’ bank accounts.
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.
However, those using the devices have been warned that police are now using financial records to find those culpable.
Illegal Fire Stick warning amid bank account searches
Former detective Rav Wilding issued the warning during an appearance on BBC Morning Live.
He explained that police are investigating financial records linked to the sale of modified Fire Sticks, which allow users to access premium TV content for free.
Mr Wilding said: "They’re going for the distributors.
"They’re going for the sellers.
"They are having a lot of success.
"But actually, once they’ve got the seller, they’re going through their accounts.
"They’re seeing who has been paying the money for these illegal things, and if they’ve been paying them for these sticks then people should possibly expect a conversation or two if the police want to know why they’ve been paying them money for this."
The illegal devices typically cost between £30 and £100 and provide unauthorised access to subscription-only TV services, including live football.
Although owning a standard Fire Stick is legal, Mr Wilding said using one to stream pirated content is a crime.
He said: "It’s a crime.
"It’s not allowed.
"Owning the stick itself is not a crime, but using it for this purpose is.
"They (subscription service providers) are losing money to this, so they have been reaching out and are taking action against those people using them illegally as well.
"So I wouldn’t say it’s something you should do.
"It is actually a crime and it can have a nasty fine, a huge fine and also a custodial sentence for users and sellers of these things."
What is the punishment for an illegal Fire 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.
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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 face a hefty fine, or even a prison sentence in extreme cases.
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