Ahead of the highly anticipated Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk heavyweight rematch this Saturday, BeStreamWise issued a stern warning to viewers who plan to watch the fight through illegal streams: doing so could expose them to significant security risks.
As criminal networks increasingly control illegal streaming operations, viewers who turn to these streams may unknowingly put their personal data – and banking information – in the hands of fraudsters. In fact, research reveals that 1 in 3 (32%) individuals in the UK who transmit illegally have been victims of fraud, scams, or identity theft as a result.
“Choosing to bypass the official channels to watch the expected fight Fury vs Usyk this Saturday is not only risky, it is 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 email, photos, and browsing history. During high audience 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 take advantage of the fight offered by the official suppliers, rather than face the risks of being a target of criminal operations.”
This warning follows the recent conviction of a Liverpool man jailed for three years after selling illegal streaming devices, and with further clampdowns expected against the criminal organizations that facilitate these services.