The Spanish Guardia Civil issued a warning that applications to watch football for free can put users' personal and banking data at risk, including their savings. The warning comes with the start of a new sports season, when applications and websites that promise free access to games and paid TV content gain popularity, often through unofficial IPTV services.
According to the Spanish authorities, the main danger lies in installing applications obtained outside official phone stores. These tools may appear to function normally, allowing access to games or TV channels, while malicious software remains active in the background without showing obvious signs.
The Guardia Civil explains that the malware can overlay fake screens on legitimate banking applications, leading victims to enter passwords and access data without realizing they are handing them over to criminals. The program can also have access to other device functions, including the ability to intercept SMS messages with confirmation codes sent by banks to authorize operations.
The warning is primarily aimed at those who download applications through unofficial sources. The Guardia Civil recommends special care with these tools and warns that saving the payment of a sports subscription may end up costing all the savings accumulated over a lifetime.
