UK campaign body BeStreamWise has issued a warning about a scam targeting fans of the blockbuster film The Odyssey. Fake websites offering illegal streams are being used to trick people into handing over bank details, with victims also at risk of malware infections.
According to BeStreamWise, some sites are asking fans for bank details, and those who submit their personal information are at risk of being targeted by fraudsters and having money taken from their accounts. The campaign group, set up to alert the public to the dangers of illegal streaming, said criminals are exploiting excitement around the film's release.
How the scam works
The scam involves fake websites that appear to offer streaming of The Odyssey, which was released on July 17. The film, an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic, follows Matt Damon as Odysseus on his perilous 10-year journey home after the Trojan War. It has grossed $1.104 billion (£819 million) worldwide, making it the most successful film of director Christopher Nolan's career.
BeStreamWise warned: "Criminals are quick to exploit excitement around major releases, such as The Odyssey, using fake streaming links and websites to trick people into handing over personal information and exposing themselves to fraud."
Expert advice for consumers
Olga Altukhova, an analyst at Kaspersky, said consumers should be particularly wary if a film that has only just been released, and is still showing in cinemas, pops up on an unfamiliar platform. "We strongly encourage people to access content only through official services to protect their personal data and avoid potential financial losses," she said.
The film features a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway and Robert Pattinson, and has become the highest-grossing film of all three actors' careers globally. The Odyssey had a reported production budget of $250 million (£185 million), excluding marketing costs, making it one of the most expensive films of Nolan's career.
Industry reaction
Jim Orr, president of domestic theatrical distribution at Universal Pictures, said: "Christopher Nolan has earned audiences' trust by consistently delivering must-see theatrical events, and The Odyssey is him operating at the peak of his powers. Nolan's epic film has been at the forefront of culture, with audiences seeking out premium formats and repeat viewings for this once-in-a-lifetime cinematic journey."
Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, president of distribution at Universal Pictures International, hailed the film as "a global epic that has resonated with audiences everywhere with its massive scope and uncompromising vision."
The warning comes as authorities and campaign groups continue to highlight the risks of illegal streaming, which can expose users to financial fraud and malware. BeStreamWise advises fans to use only legitimate platforms to watch films, especially those still in cinemas.
