Card sharing allows multiple clients to access illegally a subscription (limited access) TV network from one valid subscription card.

Sharing the signal is achieved by electronically sharing part of the conditional access smart card's output data. Users are then given access via an online access portal, enabling them to gain simultaneous access to scrambled streams held on the encrypted television network.

Card Sharing is a Growing Fraudulent Activity

"All told, in the United States piracy costs the [Satellite TV] industry about US$1 billion a year analysts say. The temptation to "hack" satellite signals appears strongest in Mexican border-states, where the close proximity to the United States allows residents easy access to the necessary equipment...”

Source: Satellite piracy: Hackers and broadcasters duel in Mexico. By Jacobs, Stevenson (allbusiness.com)

The Carmel Group estimates there are at least two million illegal satellite television households in the U.S. and Canada, out of a universe of about 15 million legal households. And the number is growing exponentially.

Source: thestar.com

Internet Fraud Watchdog Can Help

Card sharing fraudsters' activities can be traced by Internet Fraud Watchdog.

IFW has extensive experience in working with conditional access providers to tackle card sharing and other illegal activities that affect their business. We have established close working relationships with leaders on both sides of the business equation and are able to assist your organisation.

If you feel that your business is being affected by card sharing, why not leave your details in our case lodgement section of this site.