People using Amazon Fire Sticks or similar to illegally stream content have been warned to "expect a knock at the door".
Those watching live TV and on demand entertainment from the likes of Disney+ and Netflix through modified devices have been told they could face legal action if caught. Subscription services have seen price hikes in recent months, particularly sport plans, which has led to an increase in illegal streaming and downloading.
This has prompted the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT UK) to bolster efforts to combat it – by sending cease and desist letters as well as turning up at people's doors, BirminghamLive reports.
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A federation spokesperson said: "FACT constantly monitors the digital landscape to combat illegal streaming activities in the UK and Ireland. We utilise a range of methods to identify individuals engaged in unauthorised businesses that offer access to illegal streams."
FACT said it relied heavily on people reporting that they have seen illegal streaming, adding: "These reports are then investigated by our intelligence unit, and followed up with a rolling programme of action which includes issuing 'cease and desist' letters and conducting nationwide 'knock and talks'."
Visits, which were undertaken with law enforcement, aim to "inform individuals about their activities and the immediate need to cease and desist or face further action or prosecution", FACT said.
The federation also works closely with law enforcement to gather further evidence to actively pursue legal actions against these criminal entities. Section 11 of the Fraud Act 2006 covers "obtaining services dishonestly" and if found guilty, it could carry a 12 month spell in prison, or a maximum of five years if the offence was more serious.
While it is unlikely those viewing illegally streamed content would face time behind bars, those caught distributing the material have been routinely convicted and jailed. Five men arrested on suspicion of distributing content in 2018 went on to be jailed for up to 11 years each.
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