Four out of every ten (39%) of UK consumers who have accessed illegally streamed content in the past 12 months (to October 2025), have suffered financial losses after being targeted by criminals.
A study conducted by Censuswide and released by BeStreamWise in November 2025 also found that the average amount stolen was £1,680, and that one in 10 people lost more than £5,000, which dwarfs the average monthly ‘savings’ of just £13.38 compared with what they pay for official subscriptions.
Two thirds (65%) also say they have had near misses with hacking attempts whilst watching content illegally online. Consumers are risking thousands of pounds by accessing content illegally online while saving as little as £13 a month, new research reveals.
Furthermore, almost two thirds (65%) of those who have watched content illegally in the past year said they’ve had a security scare when doing so, such as malware and malicious pop-ups. Just 27% said it has never happened to them.
The survey of more than 2,000 Brits, taken between October 16 and 20, 2025, reveals that the benefits of watching pirated material through unofficial sources such as illegal streams, illegal downloads or modified devices is illusory.
BeStreamWise is a partnership by the media company Sky with agencies of the UK government, law enforcement and media industry advocacy organizations; to inform the general public of the risks associated with illegal streaming and cyber crimes targeted at consumers.
Why it matters
“Illegal streaming might look like a quick way to save money, but as this research shows, it’s a false economy that can end up costing people thousands,” Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey for the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police . “This is a crime that diverts funds away from the entertainment industries – money that supports thousands of technical and support staff. At the same time, it exposes end users to the risks of data theft, cyber crime and fraud,” she said.
Further reading
When ‘cheap’ turns costly: 40% of illegal streamers hit by financial fraud. Press release. November 13, 2025. BeStreamwise (Sky UK)
Illegal streaming is a false economy. Press release with research findings. November 21, 2025. BeStreamwise (Sky UK)
