# Illegal Cable Box zapping
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illegal-cable-box-zapping/334772
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [December 8, 2005, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illegal-cable-box-zapping/334772 "2005-12-08T22:48:21Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@autobulb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/autobulb)
#### Post date: [December 8, 2005, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illegal-cable-box-zapping/334772/1 "2005-12-08T22:48:21Z")
Is it true that cable companies can zap your illegal cable box if they find out you’re using one? Also, will this harm your t.v.? If they can zap your box will they file charges against you as well?
---
### Author:  [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)
#### Post date: [December 8, 2005, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illegal-cable-box-zapping/334772/2 "2005-12-08T23:10:49Z")
I wouldn’t expect a 10,000 volt lightning bolt to come shooting out of the box. What’ll likely happen is the cable company’s computer will poll your box (now THAT sounds dirty) and realize it’s not one of theirs and shut off programming to it. I don’t know if they can locate your physical address, though.
I’m sure a cable company employee will be along soon to answer that one.
---
### Author:  [@xash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xash)
#### Post date: [December 9, 2005, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illegal-cable-box-zapping/334772/3 "2005-12-09T00:03:01Z")
As this question asks for information pertaining to an illegal activity, it cannot be allowed here.
This is closed.
- **xash**
General Questions Moderator