London parents using dodgy Amazon “firesticks” to illegally stream children’s TV have lost hundreds after their bank accounts were hacked.
Around 40 per cent – or two in five – across the capital became victims of financial fraud, higher than the national average of 32 per cent.
Viewers pay on average £13.53 a month, or £162 a year, for illegal set top boxes to watch the likes of Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sky and BT.
But in Greater London parents say this false economy led to them being defrauded to the tune £1,821 when criminals gained access to private banking details on their phones, tablets or other devices.
Seven in ten experienced security scares such as malware warnings or suspicious pop-ups.
BeStreamWise – a cross-industry initiative – says a single illegal app can expose multiple devices within the home, including those used for work emails.
Rob Shapland, an ethical hacker with 16 years’ experience in cyber security, said: “Streaming is a normal part of family life, especially during school holidays and weekends when demand for popular programmes is high.
“But when looking for ways to keep kids entertained, it’s important to prioritise safety above all else.
“Criminals aren’t focused on what you’re watching – they’re looking for opportunities to access valuable information.
“Unofficial streaming sources can sometimes open the door to risks such as malware or data theft, potentially putting your devices, bank details, passwords and personal information at risk.
“Taking a few simple steps, like sticking to trusted platforms and keeping security software updated, can make a significant difference in protecting your data and devices.”
