by request of crimson5

[juldea]

This is a question for all your less-than-legit types:

What is the legality of using a "cheater box" to unscramble cable channels you don't have? Is it a federal or state issue? How easy is it for cable companies to find out that you're unscrambling channels, and how can they punish you? If the person using the box is not the person whose name is on the cable bill, who gets in trouble?

crimson5 asked me to ask because my LJ gets more readers than his. ;) His name's on his cable bill, and his roommate just got a cheater box to watch other channels... How much risk is he in?

Comments

[baronbrian.livejournal.com]

What is the legality of using a "cheater box" to unscramble cable channels you don't have?

Illegal. There isn't a grey area. It's a state law and there are also some federal laws but I'm not familar with those.

How easy is it for cable companies to find out that you're unscrambling channels, and how can they punish you?

Not overly simple. Some times the network can detect unauthorized equipment, some times it can't. If the connection is legit but you're getting channels you're not supposed to, it's a little harder to prove.

The punishment is usually a stiff fine. You can be arrested for it as well (usually reserved for repeat offenders).

If the person using the box is not the person whose name is on the cable bill, who gets in trouble?

Both. They both know about it so they're both liable. Chances are they'll go for him though because it's his connection. His roommate could get in trouble as well but it's not as likely.

The savings from getting the free channels don't usually outweigh the risks. A lot of cable companies are really stepping up enforcement and spot checks as well because it's lost revenue to them and the communities they are in are backing it because a portion of cable fees go back to the communities and they lose out on illegal connections.

[kishpa.livejournal.com]

It really depends on the cable company. Cable companies typically find out about cable theft by stupid subscribers - ie: leaving the cheater box plugged in and out in the open when the cable company comes for a service call that you schedule.
It is illegal - there's no gray area. You're taking something you're not paying for. Cable companies typically don't prosecute when they find you stealing cable - as long as your picture isn't on the wall in the company bathroom as a known offender. They'll give you the option to start paying for the services or to have your cable shut off and they'll confiscate the illegal equipment.

Its not a high risk like stealing a car, but if crimson5 isn't the one with the cheater box, then the roommate should put the cable in his own name if he's going to cheat the system. He shouldn't put his roommate at risk. Ultimately, its crimson5's decision since its in his name.

[sammid.livejournal.com]

OK-I must really be the 'less-legit' type...I don't know about where you live,but the cable company here that has taken over completely-has been completely reaming everyone up the ass in prices-and if I could cheat em I most certainly would.
Now a couple years ago,we paid for legit cable service,but it's digital cable,and we got one of those thingies that gave us all the channels.
Occasionally they would just scramble your shit,but you just pop the thing back in and re-program it.
No one ever came to the house,no one ever did squat.
And for like a year or more,someone I know very well,hasn't been paying for their cable at all-they hooked it into the neighbors on the pole.
And they still haven't had any problems whatsoever.
Basically I've known alot of folks in my lifetime that have stolen cable,and have never heard of anyone paying a fine or going to jail.
But,it's your call :)

[crolack.livejournal.com]

There's also, as claimed by some cable companies so I don't know if it's completely true, the possibility that the 'cheater' box is made with cheaper materials which will leak signals from itself and apparently some cable companies will have there service vans installed with scanners that can detect signal leeks.

There is the tried and true trick that's been done. I think it was a Tyson fight, ppv, what they did was scramble all of their legit boxes and displayed a message that they knew would be descrambled by cheater boxes that said call this number for a free fight t-shirt/hat or something. Everyone who called got busted, heh.

Anyway, yes, illegal, you are stealing a service, same as stealing satellite. And I believe all in the house get busted, kinda like if they raid your house and your roommate has a kilo of cocaine. Everyone gets busted.