Have you ever heard of wrapping key chains in aluminum foil? It sounds strange, but it's a smart move.
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Electronic key signals are very easy for criminals to intercept. This will allow you to open the car without setting off the alarm. If you have a true keyless car model, they may just drive away. Wrapping it in foil blocks the signal.
It's no surprise that your car is a target. It is probably one of the most valuable items you own. Let's take a look at some scams targeting current car owners and people buying new vehicles.
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Cloned VIN Fraud
A Boston woman paid about $40,000 for an SUV on Facebook Marketplace. The Carfax report appeared to be legitimate and Maril Bauter received a clean title from the licensing agency. It was smooth sailing for almost three years until the police seized the vehicle.
When she purchased her 2019 Toyota 4Runner, it was stolen. Bauter was the victim of a VIN cloning scam.
It all starts with your car being stolen or your insurance company stealing your car. Scammers find the same make, model, and year and take the VIN from that car. It's as easy as taking a picture through a glass window.
![Toyota 4Runner interior](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2022/05/1200/675/4runner-4.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
The scammer then changes the VIN plates of the stolen vehicle or entire vehicle to match the VIN plates of the clean vehicle. Now fraudsters can create fake documents to complete the sale.
Unfortunately, spotting these scams is difficult. If you're in the market and buying from a private seller:
- Use a site like Carfax or AutoCheck to look for anything unusual about your VIN.
- Compare the car's VIN (near the windshield and inside the doors) with the title and any other documentation provided by the seller.
- Look for signs that the VIN plate is off. Place your finger on the area.
- Consider paying a mechanic or car inspection service to look for major problems or red flags.
Wouter's story had a happy ending. Her insurance company paid out compensation for the stolen vehicle. That said, not all victims will be this lucky, so be sure to exercise caution if you're looking to purchase a new vehicle.
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Check out the latest Kim Komando podcast episode. Insurance companies use drones to inspect homes.
This isn't the only car scam on Facebook Marketplace
An 18-year-old was arrested in Fort Lauderdale after he posted his neighbor's car for rent on FB Marketplace. The scammer collected the deposit and sent the renter to the car owner's physical address.
a neighbor said. eight People showed up at her house over a three-week period. Another had her car smashed by an angry tenant.
- Never pay for your lease up front through a community selling platform. In fact, it's best to use a legitimate rental company.
retreat attack
Cybercriminals can also use traditional denial-of-service attacks to overwhelm vehicles and potentially block critical functions such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and door locks.
![laptop](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2023/02/1200/675/GettyImages-1134624698.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
(ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP, courtesy of Getty Images)
Some connected cars have built-in Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, making this attack possible. Just like a regular home Wi-Fi network, infiltrating your car's local network can also steal your data.
It is also a matter of physical safety. Remember that multiple computers and engine control modules run modern cars. If hackers were able to shut down these systems, they could put users at serious risk.
- It is essential to regularly change your vehicle's onboard Wi-Fi network password. It's also a good idea to turn off your car's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you're not using it.
Built-in monitoring is also a security risk
All modern vehicles have onboard diagnostic ports. This interface allows the mechanic to access car data, read error codes and statistics, and even program new keys.
Anyone can leverage this port to purchase an exploit kit that can be used to clone keys and program new keys to steal vehicles.
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- Always go to a reputable mechanic. You can also enjoy added peace of mind by using a physical handle lock.
mobile malware
Another old-school Internet hack applies to connected cars, especially models with Internet connectivity and a built-in web browser.
![How to prevent malware from moving from your old computer to your new computer](https://a57.foxnews.com/static.foxnews.com/foxnews.com/content/uploads/2024/06/1200/675/7-How-to-prevent-transferring-malware-from-an-old-computer-to-a-new-one.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
woman working on laptop (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Scammers may send emails and messages containing malicious links and attachments that can install malware on your car's system. Once malware is installed, anything is possible. Car systems don't yet have built-in anti-malware features, so it can be difficult to spot them.
- Practice good computer and internet safety even when connected to your car. Avoid opening emails and messages or following links from unknown sources.
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