Spectators of a Boca Juniors soccer match against Gimnasia y Esgrima react after Argentina police used tear gas to break up violent clashes that began outside the stadium in La Plata but then entered the venue, leaving one person dead – Copyright AFP ALEJANDRO PAGNI
The football (soccer)season is well under way and fans are increasingly squeezed out of legally viewing games by high prices, with many turning to illegal streams. It is not only football that pulls illegal viewers in: Tennis, Formula1 and many others are available on ‘free-to-view’ sites. Consumers are seemingly being driven to piracy through the fragmentation of broadcasting and by high prices in turbulent times.
Turning to illegal download and streaming services can open consumers up to being caught by scammers as they look to trick people to get access to bank accounts, commit fraud, and install malicious software.
Cybersecurity Awareness month is in full swing this October, with the ENISA (European Union Agency for Cybersecurity) highlighting the risks of both phishing and ransomware, both of which can come as a result of using illegal streaming sites.
The issue of sports related scams is of interest to James Walker, CEO consumer protection service Rightly, and Digital Journal reached out to understand the common risks of online streaming as well as the signs to be aware of to avoid falling victim to such fraudulent activity
According to Walker, the common threats include:
- Malware: Including…
