Reliable Streaming & OTT Platforms

The Internet has changed the way we consume information. Gone are the days when you had to switch between channels to find a good movie to watch. Internet streaming and over-the-top (OTT) services give users the ability to watch their favourite movies, TV shows and sporting events at the click of a button.

Online movie sites have seen a surge in membership in recent years, and more so with the recent pandemic and stay at home directives. With poor regulation of video streaming, it is a honey pot for scammers and fraudsters.

What are the risks of streaming subscriptions?

Apart from the popular movie sites such as Netflix and Disney+, there are several other websites offering live television and movie options. Why would you choose any other platform than the highly popular ones? Well, for more content and low pricing!

However, there are risks involved as well. Here are some of the risks when subscribing to on-demand streaming services:

• You may face identity and data theft as well as financial fraud. There have been incidences where hackers have stolen login credentials for bank accounts, social media pages using fake movie download sites.
• Clicking on unknown links and ads can install malware or ransomware on your system.
• The subscription you buy may turn out to be fake, or the content library is not as vast as promised.
• There is also a risk of copyright and trademark infringements if you try to stream content from obscure websites.

How can you stay safe?

While most people are unaware that illegal streaming sites are abundant, some users are specifically looking for illegal websites to stream pirated copies of movies and TV shows. These users are voluntarily choosing to be exposed to viruses, malware and phishing attempts.

However, for others who do not mind paying for original content, here are some of the precautions you can take to stay safe when using movie streaming sites.

• Check for the content they are offering, and if there are enough new movies on the platform. Old movies and TV shows are generally available for free on the internet, so why pay for a subscription?
• The design of a website, use of graphics and overall quality of the page go a long way in determining if the streaming service is legit.
• Check for contact details, address, and other identifiable information. Do not pay any money until you have checked reviews and confirmed that the service provider is legit.
• Fake websites will direct you to another page once you click on “Play”. Never allow the browser to install any plug-ins and block pop-ups.
• Intrusive ads, ads with adult content are often used by fraud streaming websites.
• If the subscription offer is too good to be true, it is most likely a scam. Legit websites will offer some content for free, or provide a trial for a few days.
• Do not click on random links, do not download any video streaming clients, and try to use security software programs.
• If you doubt the page is a scam, Google <company name> review, and look for results and of course, check Scamadviser.com

Finally, if you can download/stream the latest movies, just in the cinema, you know for sure it is an illegal site and your personal and financial data are at risk.

Reliable streaming websites

There are a handful of legitimate online content providers compared to the fraud streaming portals. Here we list some of the popular ones. Please note that some services may not be available in your country, and even if they are, they may not offer the same content database.