News Corp has rejected the claims.

Pirated cards available ''down the pub'' for about $100 were popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s because they were easy to clone and the code easy to crack.

But investigators say the technology has moved on, with unscrupulous operators downloading content, storing it and then sending it overseas ''beyond the law'' for distribution. Consumers can then, through the purchase of a ''conditional access device'' - a set-top box or USB memory stick - decode the material to get pirated material from more than than 1000 TV channels.

Even major events such as soccer finals or the Formula One Grand Prix can be made available just after screening. Mr Speck, a former head of Music Industry Piracy Investigations, an Australian company, said: ''Here's the rub. It generally involves setting up a direct debit, so not only do they know the details of your computer system and your computer's location by way of its IP address, but also they would have access to your banking details.

''You start the relationship knowing that they are international criminals, and by giving them your personal details to save a few bucks on pay TV. It is fraught with danger at any number of levels. You don't have any guarantee the service is going to last for a long time or that they are not going to misuse your computer details or your banking details.''