DRIVERS have been issued a major key fob warning – with locking car doors alone no longer enough to protect against thieves.
That’s because crooks are now able to use technology to hack into vehicles, with the terms known as “digital pickpockets”.
NBC10Drivers have been given a warning over their key fobs with locking car doors alone no longer enough[/caption] NBC10Car owners are being urged to use faraday bags to protect from signal thieves[/caption] GettyThis comes as crooks are finding more inventive ways to break into cars[/caption]According to NBC, thieves are able to use special tech to intercept key fob signals and trick cars into unlocking.
Recently, officials in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, have warned motorists of the devices being used to intercept signals from key fobs – with cars made by Kia and Hyundai particularly susceptible due to software bugs.
“Criminals are using a digital pick pocket,” said Abington Township Deputy Chief of Police Ed Quinn.
“So when the criminals have this technology, they can steal that signal and basically trick the car system into thinking that the key fob is present in the car, unlocked and to be started.”
Kia and Hyundai have offered vehicle owners free fixes at dealerships, but many owners have not taken advantage of this option.
Thankfully, there are preventative measures drivers can look into, including using an old-fashioned wheel lock – which can simply deter thieves.
Some police departments, like Plumstead Police Department, are also distributing these locks for free.
Another clever method to keep digital pickpockets at bay is by using faraday bags.
Car owners are encouraged to store their fobs in faraday bags, which prevent thieves from using the signals from keys.
This comes as, back in March, a driver recalled how his truck simply disappeared in front of him after thieves used a fob cloning method to snatch it.
Branden Reagin said his Ford F-150 Raptor was stolen as he was finishing a meal off Lawrenceville Highway, as reported by Georgia’s local news outlet, WSB-TV.
“It’s like a movie scene,” Reagin told WSB-TV.
“You’re chasing your truck, wanting to run after it, but you just know you’ll never catch it.”
The driver said he saw another car driving around his vehicle but didn’t think much of it until the suspicious BMW backed in next to his truck.
After informing authorities, he learned that the person who stole his car was using key fob cloning technology.
Thieves can now stand near someone’s car and use a device that imitates the signal of a fob, allowing them to unlock and start the vehicle.
With the rise of new technology, drivers like Reagin are concerned about the potential for increased auto theft.
“How quick someone can access a car, I mean, I kind of saw it firsthand myself, but it’s just mind blowing,” Reagin said.
“They can steal anybody’s car, as long as that key is within range.”
The Georgia driver told WSB-TV that he later purchased an RFID key fob protector which prevents thieves from using signals to clone information
How to prevent vehicle theft
Here are 10 ways to avoid your car being stolen according to an auto insurance company:
Lock your doors. It makes it more difficult for thieves to access anything inside the vehicle. Keep your keys on your person. With smart keys and fobs, a car can be unlocked if the key is close by. If the key is inside or on your person, it can’t be unlocked. Don’t leave a spare key near the vehicle, as thieves know to look for them in common places like in a wheel well, under items in the driveway, or in the glovebox. Keep windows closed. If a window is open, thieves can manually unlock the doors. Park in well-lit areas, as it helps detour thieves if their actions are visible to passersby. If your vehicle doesn’t have one, consider an anti-theft alarm system. If you live in a high-crime area, consider an immobilizer device that utilizes a kill switch if the device doesn’t recognize an authorized key. Consider a tracking device to be able to keep tabs on your vehicle’s location if it’s stolen. Never leave valuables in the car, especially in a visible spot. Thieves know to look in the floor boards, passenger, or rear seats for valuables. Double-check before leaving the vehicle that it’s secure. To protect wheels and tires, especially aftermarket wheels, consider wheel lock lug nuts. They require a special socket to remove, so they’re impossible to remove without it.Source: Allstate Auto Insurance
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