Cable Theft is a Crime!
Cable theft is the illegal interception of cable programming services without the express authorization of, or payment to, a cable company.
Cable theft is a widespread problem that results in revenue losses to the cable industry totaling several billions of dollars per year. By depriving cable operators of substantial revenue, people who steal cable adversely affect cable companies' ability to provide their customers with high quality products and services and increase costs for paying customers.
Cable theft is illegal under federal law and state laws. Federal statutes allow for stiff penalties against people who steal cable services, including possible criminal prosecution and providing cable companies with civil remedies. Because cable theft has a significant impact on cable companies, it is taken very seriously.
Are you aware of cable theft?
If you are aware of cable theft, please report it! You can call our tollfree hotline anytime. Call 1-888-238-1895 to help us stop cable theft.
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Types of Cable Theft
- Passive Theft: Occurs when someone moves into a new residence or business facility, notices that the premises receives cable services without an account, but nevertheless does not take any steps to become a subscriber or have the service disconnected.
- Active Theft: Occurs when someone knowingly and intentionally makes an illegal physical connection to the cable system in their area for the purpose of receiving cable service in their home or business.
Contrary to the common understanding of cable theft - that it involves only the theft of cable television services - active cable theft also includes:
- Broadband Internet Abuse
- Assisting others to steal cable
- Using unauthorized cable boxes and other equipment designed to descramble premium and pay-per-view cable television services. The manufacture, modification and sale of such equipment is illegal under federal and state statutes. The use of such equipment is similarly illegal.
Note:
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For steps you can take to prevent someone from stealing your Internet connection, refer to Wifi Security Tips.
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