Obtaining unauthorized access to cable television services
This article is about theft of cable television services. For metal theft or stealing actual cables, see
Metal theft.
Cable television piracy is the act of obtaining unauthorized access to cable television services.[1] It is a form of copyright infringement and a federal crime. Reception of cable television without authorization by a cable operator is forbidden by both federal and state laws.[2] In Missouri, cable television piracy is usually a class A misdemeanor; if the service is $500 or more, it is classified as a class C felony.[3]