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-   -   Set top box modders go to jail (https://www.cableforum.uk/board/showthread.php?t=33669663)

chris9991 16-09-2010 11:32
Set top box modders go to jail
 
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/09/16/vm_fraud/

Five years - seems quite a long time

Digital Fanatic 16-09-2010 11:37
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
The group were arrested in 2008, when 2,000 illegally modified set-top boxes were found during police raids in the Sparkbrook area of Birmingham. Large quantites of cash and two vehicles were also seized.

The convictions are part of a concerted effort by Virgin Media in recent years to stamp out set-top box and modem fraud. It claims network updates are making it impossible to take internet and TV services for free.

"Later this month, we will introduce a new encryption process in Birmingham, which is already rolling out across other parts of the UK now," said head of fraud and security Malcolm Davies. "This will protect our existing customers and make it impossible for others to take our services unless they pay for them legitimately."





:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Taf 16-09-2010 11:40
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
If Sky complete their takeover of VM's TV system, they will expect no theft of their content... so they probably told the judges to be severe

:dunce:

lymmranger 16-09-2010 11:43
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
at last a sensible judge :cleader:

Woking User 16-09-2010 13:12
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
great news for those that pay and actually quite funny too - 5 years inside, ha ha

adzii_nufc 16-09-2010 16:07
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
5 years may be a long time but they should have instead have been charged the price for every single set top box running for 5 years with all channels including box office!

Sirius 16-09-2010 16:09
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woking User (Post 35092593)
great news for those that pay and actually quite funny too - 5 years inside, ha ha
Best they dont drop the soap in the shower :LOL:

RobboEdin 16-09-2010 16:54
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirius (Post 35092665)
Best they dont drop the soap in the shower :LOL:
...especially if some of their previous clients are inside with them and getting complaints that their wives and families are no longer getting all their channels!



....but we shouldn't laugh. YES WE SHOULD.

Toto 16-09-2010 19:22
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Just goes to prove that theft of TV channels is a criminal offence - they have got what they deserved, no more, no less.

Peter_ 16-09-2010 19:24
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirius (Post 35092665)
Best they dont drop the soap in the shower :LOL:
Why in case someone tries to chip them.
:D
They fully deserve the sentences handed down to them and I hope many others go the same way.

colin25 16-09-2010 19:33
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Do they get Virgin cable in prison..or is it Sky

Wait, do they get to see the sky whilst in prison?

:D

Rockabilly Spike 16-09-2010 20:55
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
my former employer was given a £40,000 fine and 300hrs community service

Ignitionnet 17-09-2010 07:55
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
That's a hell of a punishment. On its' own this is fine, though on the wider picture t's not a good thing when property related crimes carry harsher sentences than crimes against persons.

Sirius 17-09-2010 08:33
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ignitionnet (Post 35092981)
That's a hell of a punishment. On its' own this is fine, though on the wider picture t's not a good thing when property related crimes carry harsher sentences than crimes against persons.
it's simple if they do the crime they should be willing to do the time

Ignitionnet 17-09-2010 08:36
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sirius (Post 35092983)
it's simple if they do the crime they should be willing to do the time
That whooshing I just felt was I suspect the point being missed.

I didn't say the sentence was wrong I said it's wrong that this is treated in this way while crimes against people are being treated more leniently. If we can just drop the orgasmic fervour that seems to greet anti-piracy announcements like N3 and these busts it's easier to see what I said. Too many crimes don't carry the time and it seems quite disproportionate for this to get 5 years while negligently killing another person doesn't necessarily get that.

TheDaddy 17-09-2010 09:50
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ignitionnet (Post 35092985)
That whooshing I just felt was I suspect the point being missed.

I didn't say the sentence was wrong I said it's wrong that this is treated in this way while crimes against people are being treated more leniently. If we can just drop the orgasmic fervour that seems to greet anti-piracy announcements like N3 and these busts it's easier to see what I said. Too many crimes don't carry the time and it seems quite disproportionate for this to get 5 years while negligently killing another person doesn't necessarily get that.
Well said :tu:

Escapee 17-09-2010 18:21
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
I understand the Virgin employees responsible for doing all the hard work catch them and bring the case to court have very recently been rewarded by Virgin with redundancies in their department.

Still, I believe putting crimes committed and court sentences into context the sentences are a little extreme.

vanman 17-09-2010 19:48
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
someone is going to be disappointed
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/cable-box-and-...item19bf7537d6

Sirius 17-09-2010 19:56
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by vanman (Post 35093324)
someone is going to be disappointed
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/cable-box-and-...item19bf7537d6
Thats so funny. It's a £172.50 door stop :LOL:


******************EDIT*******************

Someone has just paid for a samsung door stop :LOL:

******************EDIT*******************

Lord Nikon 18-09-2010 00:37
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Love how they don't take paypal so the buyer can't reverse the transaction...

Anyone else find it suspicious that they have only 6 positive feedback in total, all from the same person?

adzii_nufc 18-09-2010 02:45
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
They still work in Norwich whats the deal with that? Virgin a bit slow or something? Its not exactly pleasing to see someone boast about recieving top notch TV in HD!!!! for next to nothing when Myself and others pay up to £80 a month.

That ebay guy happened to buy that exact box from someone else... Its just going to be a chain reaction! Original Seller scams a 'fool'
then the 'fool' sells it to another guy who is an ever bigger 'fool' what a mess! Keep an eye on the guy who's just bought it... see how long it takes before its back up.

Another funny thing about the listing. Take a look at the bids 0_o

Chris 18-09-2010 07:59
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lord Nikon (Post 35093454)
Love how they don't take paypal so the buyer can't reverse the transaction...
My lack of sympathy for the dumb would-be cable thief who bought this is only tempered by regret for the fact that the accessory-to-fraud who sold it is now £175 richer.

chris9991 18-09-2010 11:37
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Aren't ebay also richer as well?

vanman 18-09-2010 13:43
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
i did send this to ebay
Quote:
eBay Trust & Safety

Original Message Follows:
------------------------
Form Message:

Subject:VE=C00160 You suspect stolen property is for sale on eBay

Listing Policy Breaches > Stolen property > You suspect stolen property is for sale on eBay

Item Numbers(s):
300453931796 $UK

Message: ALL VIRGIN EQUIPMENT ON EBAY IS ILLEGAL.
and got the reply
Quote:
Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to report a seller who you suspect is offering stolen goods on eBay.

The sale of stolen goods is forbidden on eBay because it's against the law to sell stolen property. eBay strongly supports law enforcement efforts to recover stolen property listed on its website. However, we can only investigate such a serious allegation if it comes from the police.

If you believe that an item on eBay may be a stolen item, please inform your local police and ask them to get in touch with us. The investigating officer can then use the contact details provided in our Safety Centre:

http://pages.ebay.co.uk/safetycentre...forcement.html

We know your time is valuable and we appreciate you taking a moment to express your concern to us. Thank you for helping to keep eBay a safe, fun place to shop.


Regards,

eBay Trust & Safety
they will not take it off unless the police tell them its stolen :dozey:

Kymmy 18-09-2010 13:51
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Actually they will, but it needs to be the owner of the equipment or the copyright holder that asks for the removal. In this case it has to be an offical request from Virgin Media

Milambar 21-09-2010 09:10
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
While its good the person was caught, and sentenced, I do believe that the sentence was hugely disproportionate. Especially when some manslaughter, death by reckless driving, etc cases get a less harsh sentence than this.

Nobody got hurt, only the VM shareholders profit line.

Digital Fanatic 21-09-2010 12:18
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Milambar (Post 35095305)
While its good the person was caught, and sentenced, I do believe that the sentence was hugely disproportionate. Especially when some manslaughter, death by reckless driving, etc cases get a less harsh sentence than this.

Nobody got hurt, only the VM shareholders profit line.
ON Digital/ITV Digital went bust partly due to encryption being hacked, so it's a big issue.

I'm guessing it was a pretty big operation this guy ran and other things were involved,as criminals usually have their hands in other illlegal activities.

Mr Angry 21-09-2010 16:34
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
And they're off again.

vaishali1997 21-09-2010 16:37
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Digital Fanatic (Post 35095374)
ON Digital/ITV Digital went bust partly due to encryption being hacked, so it's a big issue.

I'm guessing it was a pretty big operation this guy ran and other things were involved,as criminals usually have their hands in other illlegal activities.
Totally agree :))))

Phil-ntl 27-09-2010 13:24
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Angry (Post 35095562)
And they're off again.
£103???? Now whats that saying about a fool and his money? :rolleyes:

Chris 27-09-2010 13:57
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
3 Attachment(s)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil-ntl (Post 35099042)
£103???? Now whats that saying about a fool and his money? :rolleyes:
Heh ... especially when you consider this:

He buys a Sammy V box on 1st September:

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/at...1&d=1285595702

He sells a Sammy V box on 24 September, insisting it 'works with Nagra 3' but insists on postal orders for payment:

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/at...1&d=1285595702

Whoever bought this deserves everything they get.

Oh, hang on:

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/at...1&d=1285595818

It seems there's no honour among thieves after all.

Sirius 27-09-2010 17:44
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris (Post 35099055)
Heh ... especially when you consider this:

He buys a Sammy V box on 1st September:

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/at...1&d=1285595702

He sells a Sammy V box on 24 September, insisting it 'works with Nagra 3' but insists on postal orders for payment:

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/at...1&d=1285595702

Whoever bought this deserves everything they get.

Oh, hang on:

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/at...1&d=1285595818

It seems there's no honour among thieves after all.

There is lots of this going on at the moment on ebay, Selling off a box knowing its no good and hoping some mug buys it

Maggy 27-09-2010 17:46
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
I thought ebay had some fairly strict rules about this?

Sirius 27-09-2010 17:52
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maggy J (Post 35099209)
I thought ebay had some fairly strict rules about this?
To be honest i think they play lip service to them.

Chris 27-09-2010 17:52
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Someone mentioned that earlier in the thread ... IIRC ebay won't act on allegedly stolen goods unless reported by the owner of said goods (i.e. VM) or the police.

Peter_ 27-09-2010 19:27
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris (Post 35099216)
Someone mentioned that earlier in the thread ... IIRC ebay won't act on allegedly stolen goods unless reported by the owner of said goods (i.e. VM) or the police.
Another poster reported them and got that response from Ebay a couple of weeks ago.

Mr Angry 27-09-2010 19:45
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
He's been kicked from ebay.

Sirius 27-09-2010 19:50
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Angry (Post 35099273)
He's been kicked from ebay.
Good news

vanman 27-09-2010 22:44
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
i reported him for scamming
Hello,

Quote:
Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your concerns over this particular item.

We take reports of banned items listed on the eBay website seriously and we'll investigate your report as soon as possible - usually within 24-36 hours. If we find the item/s breach eBay's listing policies for sellers, we'll remove them from the site.

To find out more about our policies, go to your local eBay site and click on 'Help'. You'll find links to our policies in the 'Rules and Policies' box on the right hand side.

Please be aware that, as it's important that eBay maintains member privacy, we can't share details of the action we take. We'll only contact you again about this matter if we need to ask you for more information.

Again, thank you for your report and for helping us to keep eBay a safe, fun place to shop.


Regards,

eBay Trust and Safety
:D

---------- Post added at 23:44 ---------- Previous post was at 21:47 ----------

:Yikes: this guy is using the cable forum as a ref to sell his V+BOX
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VIRGIN-MEDIA-N...item4aa5006887

it shows link to
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/10...855-v-faq.html
:td:

Chris 27-09-2010 22:54
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Actually, I hope a few people do click that link through to Cable Forum. ;)

Sirius 28-09-2010 05:36
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris (Post 35099400)
Actually, I hope a few people do click that link through to Cable Forum. ;)
Nicely done

tvtimes 28-09-2010 13:55
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Serves them right, more need to go to jail.

newbie1001 28-09-2010 19:56
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
They probably released a few Burglars and muggers early to make room for them, so everything ok there then.

Hugh 28-09-2010 19:56
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by newbie1001 (Post 35099910)
They probably released a few Burglars and muggers early to make room for them, so everything ok there then.
Or not.......

Digital Fanatic 28-09-2010 20:04
Re: Set top box modders go to jail
 
Quote:
Originally Posted by newbie1001 (Post 35099910)
They probably released a few Burglars and muggers early to make room for them, so everything ok there then.
Don't be so riddiculous !


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