Telecommunications Theft & Fraud

Cable signal theft IS NOT a victimless crime!

CABLE THEFT & CABLE SIGNAL PIRACY

Since August 1996, this agency has been working on behalf of Erie Cablevision, which is an Erie, PA based cable television provider to investigate the issue of theft of cable television services. To this end, we have identified hundreds of individuals in this area that are STEALING cable television programming, which is a CRIME. If you or someone you know are knowingly and willfully receiving cable television programming that you are NOT paying for, you could be in violation of STATE and FEDERAL laws. And..... you should be worried. Why? Because we are looking for you. And chances are, we will find you.

Any method or device used to descramble encrypted programming without payment to or authorization from the cable company is illegal. This includes the obvious, such as splicing into your neighbor's cable line (really stupid), and/or using what is known as a descrambler box or "Black Box" (a little more advanced, but still stupid). There are mail order companies that sell these devices with a "disclaimer", stating that the device should not be used for any illegal purpose. Well, these same companies also maintain customer lists. YOUR name, YOUR address, and other information will eventually be made known to us when such companies get "raided" by federal and/or state authorities. We really appreciate this convenience, and we will then get a chance to "meet" for further conversation.
Interested in selling "black boxes?" If you are in the business of selling a device which is designed to "defeat" the "signal security" of the cable company, this places you in a different category altogether. Especially if one of our undercover investigators buys a box or two from you.

"A Taste of Ignorance"

Laws Regarding Cable Theft

National Cable Television Association National Cable Television Association

PCTA Logo PA Cable & Telecommunications Association

Services & Capabilities

Hagmann Investigative Services, Inc. has developed a special services to assist cable system providers in the fight against cable signal theft and the illegal sales and distribution of illegal cable decoders and descramblers. Our service provides the following:

  • Assist in the education of Law Enforcement of the specific elements of cable signal theft.
  • Assist and educate licensed private investigators in the elements of cable signal theft and the implementation of an effective undercover investigation for their cable system clients.
  • Work on-site with cable system providers in the establishment of an anti-theft program.

Please contact Douglas J. Hagmann for specific details.

 

[FrontPage Save Results Component]

Information Request Form

Select the items that apply, and then let us know how to contact you.

Please send service literature on our anti-theft programs and investigative initiatives (restricted to cable providers).
Please send company literature.
Report Cable Fraud If you would like to report cable theft, piracy or related criminal activity, please do so through this link. The information that is received by this agency will remain strictly confidential and you will NOT be contacted by ANYONE unless you specifically request such contact. Please include as much information as you can and be as specific as possible. All tips are investigated. (All information will be maintained in confidence and will not be revealed).

Name
Title
Company
Address
E-mail
Phone