What
is Cable Theft?
Cable Theft is the illegal interception
of cable programming services without the express authorization
of, or payment to, a cable company. Active Theft
occurs when someone knowingly and intentionally makes an
illegal physical connection to the cable system in their
area for the purpose of receiving cable service in their
home or business. Active Theft also occurs when someone
knowingly and intentionally attaches equipment (i.e., black
boxes, cheater box, cube, descramblers, decoders, etc.)
for the unauthorized receipt of cable services. Passive
Theft means having active cable service in your
residence without notifying the cable operator. (Example:
You move into a new apartment that has active service but
you do not notify the cable operator.)
Why
is it illegal?
The Federal Communications Commission released a public
notice in November, 1994, stating that the use of cable
descramblers not authorized by cable systems is a violation
of federal law.
Sentences in federal and state theft of services cases have
ranged from probation to 16 years in prison. Fines and restitution
have ranged from several hundred dollars to $2.7 million.
Does
it also affect the consumer?
Yes! Cable piracy affects the picture quality of the entire
system by weakening the signal. Poor picture quality increases
service calls and other system maintenance, raising costs
and putting pressure on cable rates. Even more serious,
lives can be endangered by the shoddy work of cable thieves.
Cable's usually "closed-circuit" distribution
system can be compromised, resulting in interference with
aeronautic radio navigation signals and emergency service
radio transmissions.
Should
you report Cable Theft?
Yes! Cass Cable TV will credit your cable account $25.00
if you report an individual who is stealing cable in the
Cass Cable service area. To receive your credit, an employee
from Cass Cable TV must inspect the illegal connection to
prove your accusations are correct. You must also be a Cass
Cable TV subscriber to receive the credit or the credit
can be applied to start a new account with Cass Cable TV.
If desired, your name will remain anonymous when you report
cable theft. To report any type of cable theft, call 1-800-252-1799.
