Keyless Car Theft: How It Works and How to Stay Safe

Sadly, this is not always the case. Keyless cars, like any other device that relies on wireless broadcasting, can be hacked. All it takes is about $22 worth of black-market material and some clever planning.

In a keyless car, you can unlock the vehicle by standing in close proximity while with your key fob. This tells the car to unlock and then enables you to start the car without ever even touching your fob. You never have to dig your keys out of your purse or pocket in order to load several armfuls of groceries.

However, a car thief can hack the signal your fob broadcasts to your vehicle. They can either duplicate the signal or broadcast it to the car, or they can amplify the signal to trick your car into thinking that you are close by. This last method is called relay theft and is surprisingly easy and cheap.

How to Stay Safe

Discover some methods of keeping your car safe against relay theft: you can block your fob's signal, turn off your fob's signal, or make your car difficult to steal regardless of fob or key.

Relay theft only works if the thief can get close to your fob. Luckily, you have a few ways to block your signal until the moment you need to unlock your car.

A Faraday bag is an inexpensive pouch that fits your key fob. The bag is made of material that blocks the signal from your fob so that thieves cannot copy or amplify it. This is an easy and portable way to keep your car safe.

If you don't want to spend the cash, you can find several common items around your house that will keep your fob's signal from broadcasting.

Microwaves, refrigerators, and even small tin boxes are enough to trap your signal. These are mostly useful to protect your keys while you're at home. Carrying a microwave is a little inconvenient while at the store.

A thief cannot steal a signal that doesn’t broadcast. Some fobs have the option to turn off the wireless signal, making them work like more traditional button fobs. Check your owner's manual or call the manufacturer to know if this is an option for you.

If you are determined to keep your fob running, you can also reprogram the signal. This would help guard against thieves who have already replicated your signal but not those who amplify it.

Along with protecting your key fob, you can make your car more difficult to steal in other ways. Parking in well-lit areas or behind locked gates will deter thieves from ever marking your car as a target.

If you want extra protection, consider a wheel lock. This physical deterrent can go with the electronic protection of your fob. You can also install a tracking device so you can find your vehicle if it gets stolen, or etch the VIN number onto your windows so your car is easily identifiable.

Relay thieves are on the rise, but don't despair. You can protect yourself and your vehicles in many ways against this new type of thievery. By blocking or turning off your fob and parking defensively to deter thieves, you can be confident that your car will remain right where you left it.

At A-A Lock & Alarm Inc, we have provided families with peace of mind through comprehensive security systems and high-tech safety measures for over 60 years. We are top of the line in emergency locksmith services and keyless access systems. Learn how to better protect your car by visiting our website or calling us today.