Owners of Amazon Fire TV Sticks warned that their bank accounts are at risk of being raided

Owners of AMAZON Fire TV Sticks have been warned against using modified devices due to hidden dangers that risk financial ruin.

The latest crackdown on illegal streaming has seen a total of 22 legal warnings issued to people across Ireland alone.

The operation targeted suspected sellers of custom smart TV gadgets such as the popular Amazon Fire Stick, which provides free access to premium channels such as Sky Sports.

They were issued a ‘cease and desist’ notice stating that they must immediately stop selling devices or face harsher consequences, including criminal charges.

By taking these measures we are sending a clear message: piracy is a crime and is taken seriously

Eddy LevitenFACT

Addresses in Dublin, Cork, Meath, West Meath, Kilkenny, Clare, Limerick, Louth, Galway and Monaghan were notified between January 22 and February 2.

Researchers say the move is already having an impact, as the vast majority of illegal streaming services have been shut down.

And they warn that further action will be taken against those who do not comply.

While the measure targets sellers, buyers have been warned they will face another devastating consequence: malware that can be used to commit fraud.

A recent survey by the BeStreamWise initiative found that one in three people in Ireland who stream illegally say they, or someone they know, has been a victim of fraud, scams or identity theft as a result of using customized devices.

“By taking these measures we are sending a clear message: piracy is a crime and is taken seriously,” said Eddy Leviten, Chief Operating Officer at FACT (the Federation against Copyright Theft).

“FACT will continue to monitor channels used to advertise and sell illegal streams, modified Fire Sticks and other devices to take action against illegal IPTV suppliers and operators.

“Operators of illegal IPTV services should be aware that not only are they committing an offense themselves, but they are also putting consumers at real risk of malware, data loss and identity theft.

“FACT and its partners are committed to disrupting these criminal operations and failure to comply with the notices could result in further law enforcement action.”

Police ‘have details on those buying illegal streaming services’

In addition, police recently raided homes and made two arrests after finding pirated Fire TV devices were being sold with full unauthorized access to premium Sky packages.

An investigation led to the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) discovering a Telegram channel selling the illegal Fire Sticks, netting those involved more than £800,000.

“We know from experience that the money generated in this way is often used to finance wider organized crime. That is why it is crucial to arrest those involved,” said Detective Inspector Steve Payne of ERSOU’s Regional Organized Crime Unit.

“We have also accessed the data of those who purchase the streams, and I would like to remind anyone who does so that they are breaking the law and could ultimately be subject to criminal charges.”