Ahead of the highly anticipated Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk heavyweight rematch this Saturday, BeStreamWise issues a stark warning to viewers considering watching the fight through illegal streams: doing so could expose you to significant security risks.
As criminal networks increasingly control illegal streaming operations, viewers who turn to these streams can unknowingly put their personal data—and banking information—in the hands of fraudsters. In fact, research shows that 1 in 3 (32%) individuals in the UK who stream illegally have been victims of fraud, scams or identity theft as a result.
“The choice to bypass official channels to watch the highly anticipated Fury vs. Usyk fighting this Saturday is not only risky—it’s illegal and can expose you to serious dangers,” warned Kieron Sharp, CEO of BeStreamWise partner FACT.
“Illegal streaming puts consumers at risk of malware, financial theft and the compromise of personal data, such as emails, photos and browsing history. During high viewership events, fraudsters target unsuspecting viewers.”
“BeStreamWise is dedicated to raising awareness about the significant dangers of illegal streaming, educating about the facts and ensuring that consumers know where to safely watch the content they love. Boxing fans should enjoy the fights offered by official suppliers, rather than face the risks of being a target for criminal activity.”
This warning follows the recent conviction of a Liverpool man who was jailed for three years after selling illegal streaming devices, and with further crackdowns planned against criminal organizations that facilitate these services.