Keyless car theft, also known as relay theft, is a growing concern for car owners. Criminals are using sophisticated technology to bypass keyless entry systems, leaving vehicles vulnerable. Understanding how these attacks work and taking preventative measures is crucial to protect your car. This guide will explain keyless car theft, identify if your car is at risk, and provide actionable steps to Prevent Thief Scanning Car Fobs, ensuring your vehicle remains secure.
What is Keyless Car Theft and How Does Scanning Car Fobs Work?
Keyless car theft, or relay theft, is a method where thieves exploit the technology behind keyless entry systems. These systems are designed for convenience, allowing you to unlock and start your car without physically using a key. However, this convenience comes with a security vulnerability. Thieves use a device to scan car fobs and capture the radio signal emitted by your key fob. This signal is then relayed to another device near your car, tricking the vehicle into thinking the legitimate key is present.
Understanding the Relay Theft Process: Scanning and Exploiting Car Fobs
Relay theft is executed swiftly and efficiently, often in under a minute. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how thieves scan car fobs and steal vehicles:
Step 1: Signal Scanning: A thief, positioned near your home or wherever your keys are located, uses a relay device to scan car fobs for their signal. This device amplifies and captures the fob’s signal.
Step 2: Signal Relay: The captured signal is then transmitted to a second thief standing near your car.
Step 3: Vehicle Deception: The relay device near the car mimics the key fob’s signal, fooling the car’s system into believing the key is nearby.
Step 4: Unauthorized Access: The car unlocks, and the ignition can be started, allowing the thieves to drive away in your vehicle as if they had the actual key.
This entire process, from scanning car fobs to driving off, can take as little as 20 to 30 seconds, highlighting the speed and ease with which thieves can operate.
Is Your Car Vulnerable to Thief Scanning Car Fobs?
To determine if your car is at risk of keyless car theft and thief scanning car fobs, you need to understand if it has a keyless entry system.
Keyless Entry System: If your car allows you to unlock and start the engine while the key fob remains in your pocket or bag, then it has a keyless entry system and is potentially vulnerable to relay attacks. Typically, these systems activate when you are within a certain proximity to the vehicle.
Non-Keyless Entry System: If you need to physically press a button on your key fob to unlock your car, your vehicle is not susceptible to this type of “hacking” via scanning car fobs. These traditional systems are not vulnerable to relay theft because they require direct button activation.
If you are unsure, consult your car’s manual or contact your car manufacturer to confirm whether your vehicle is equipped with a keyless entry system.
Top Proven Methods to Prevent Thief Scanning Car Fobs
Protecting your vehicle from keyless car theft requires implementing preventative measures focused on blocking thieves from scanning car fobs effectively. Here are the most effective strategies:
1. Utilize a Signal Blocking Pouch (Faraday Bag) to Shield Car Fobs
The most straightforward and cost-effective method to prevent thief scanning car fobs is using a signal blocking pouch, also known as a Faraday bag.
How Faraday Bags Work: These pouches are lined with metallic materials that block electromagnetic fields, preventing your key fob from transmitting its signal. By placing your car fobs inside a Faraday bag, you effectively prevent thief scanning car fobs and stop relay attacks.
Practical Usage: Keep your key fobs in a Faraday bag when you are at home and overnight. Ensure all sets of keys, including spares, are protected. These pouches are readily available online or at automotive stores and are an inexpensive yet highly effective deterrent.
2. Deactivate Keyless Fob Wireless Signals to Prevent Scanning
Some keyless fobs offer the option to manually disable the wireless signal. This feature, if available on your car fob, can significantly reduce the risk of thief scanning car fobs.
Check Your Car Manual: Consult your vehicle’s manual for instructions on how to deactivate your key fob’s wireless signal. The process varies by manufacturer and model.
Manufacturer Support: If you cannot find information in your manual, contact your car dealership or manufacturer directly. They can advise you on whether your fob has this feature and how to enable it.
Disabling the signal when you are at home or in secure locations effectively prevents thief scanning car fobs, adding an extra layer of security.
3. Enhance Security with Steering Wheel Locks and Car Alarms
Employing physical security measures like steering wheel locks and car alarms serves as a visible and effective deterrent against car theft, including keyless relay attacks. These methods directly combat attempts to bypass electronic security by making the physical act of stealing the car more difficult.
Steering Wheel Locks: A steering wheel lock is a mechanical device that immobilizes the steering wheel, making it impossible to steer the car. Its visual presence is often enough to deter thieves, as it indicates a significant obstacle. Look for locks with third-party approvals like “Sold Secure,” ensuring they meet rigorous security standards.
Car Alarms: While many modern cars come with factory-fitted alarms, consider upgrading to a more sophisticated system or installing one if your car doesn’t have it. A car alarm will activate upon unauthorized entry or movement, drawing attention to the theft and potentially scaring off thieves. Inform your car insurance provider about your car alarm, as it may reduce your premium.
4. Secure Parking Practices to Minimize Risk of Thief Scanning
Where you park your car can significantly impact its vulnerability to keyless car theft. Strategic parking can increase the distance between your car and potential thieves attempting to scan car fobs.
Park in a Garage: Parking your car in a garage overnight is the most secure option. It not only increases the distance from potential scanners but also provides a physical barrier.
Defensive Driveway Parking: If a garage isn’t available, park as close to your house as possible. This reduces the accessible range for thieves trying to scan car fobs from the street.
Well-Lit Areas: When parking on the street, choose well-lit areas. Thieves prefer operating in darkness, so parking in a brightly lit location can deter them.
Home Security Enhancements: Consider installing motion-detector lighting and CCTV cameras around your property. These measures not only deter thieves but also provide surveillance and potential evidence if an attempted theft occurs.
5. Implement VIN Etching for Vehicle Identity Protection
VIN etching is a process of engraving your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto the car’s windows and sometimes headlights and mirrors. This serves as a theft deterrent and recovery aid.
Theft Deterrent: VIN etching makes it significantly harder for thieves to resell stolen vehicles. Changing the identity of a vehicle with etched windows is costly and difficult, making it less attractive to steal.
Recovery Assistance: In the event your car is stolen, VIN etching helps law enforcement and recovery services identify and return your vehicle more easily.
6. Maintain a Tidy Vehicle to Prevent Secondary Theft
While not directly related to keyless car theft, keeping your vehicle tidy can deter opportunistic theft of valuables inside your car, which can sometimes accompany relay attacks.
Hide Valuables: Keep your car interior free of clutter and hide any electronic devices, bags, or valuable items. Do not leave items like phones or GPS devices in plain sight.
Empty Glove Box: Consider leaving your glove box open to show there is nothing of value inside, deterring smash-and-grab attempts.
By minimizing visible valuables, you reduce the incentive for thieves to target your car, even if they are attempting to scan car fobs for relay theft.
7. Secure Lost or Stolen Car Keys Through Reprogramming
If you lose your car keys or suspect they have been stolen, immediate action is crucial to prevent unauthorized access to your vehicle.
Contact an Auto Locksmith: Contact a certified auto locksmith immediately. They can reprogram your car’s system to recognize only your current keys and disable any lost or stolen keys. This prevents thieves from using stolen keys, whether through traditional methods or in conjunction with relay attacks.
Reprogramming Benefits: Reprogramming ensures that even if a thief has obtained your key fob, it will no longer work with your vehicle after the reprogramming process.
8. Reprogram Car Keys When Buying a Used Vehicle
When purchasing a second-hand vehicle, there’s always a risk that not all sets of keys have been provided by the previous owner. For security, especially with keyless entry cars, reprogramming the keys is a wise precaution.
Ensure Key Security: Reprogramming car keys after buying a used car ensures that any keys held by previous owners will no longer work, eliminating a potential security risk.
Auto Locksmith Services: Utilize a reputable auto locksmith for key reprogramming. While dealership services are available, auto locksmiths often offer more cost-effective solutions.
Car Models at Increased Threat from Thief Scanning Car Fobs
Any vehicle with a keyless entry system is potentially vulnerable to relay theft and thief scanning car fobs. However, certain popular models have been identified as being particularly at risk due to security vulnerabilities in their systems.
Popular At-Risk Models: Models like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Nissan Qashqai, and Ford Focus have been frequently reported as targets for keyless car theft.
Thatcham Security Ratings: Thatcham Research, a UK automotive research center, introduced security ratings for keyless entry cars based on their resistance to relay attacks. Their testing highlights which vehicles have superior security and which have failed to adequately address the threat of thief scanning car fobs.
Keyless Entry Car Security Test Results:
Vehicle Models Passing Keyless Car Theft Tests (Superior Security):
| Keyless Entry Vehicle Model | Pass Or Fail | Security Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Audi e-tron | Pass | Superior |
| BMW 1 Series / 7 Series / 8 Series | Pass | Superior |
| BMW X6 / X7 | Pass | Superior |
| Ford Puma | Pass | Superior |
| Jaguar XE | Pass | Superior |
| Land Rover Evoque | Pass | Superior |
| Mercedes B-Class | Pass | Superior |
| Porsche 911 | Pass | Superior |
| Porsche Macan | Pass | Superior |
| Volkswagen Passat | Pass | Superior |
Vehicle Models Failing Keyless Car Theft Tests (Poor Security):
| Keyless Entry Vehicle Model | Pass Or Fail | Security Rating |
|---|---|---|
| DS3 Crossback | Fail | Poor |
| Ford Mondeo | Fail | Poor |
| Kia ProCeed | Fail | Poor |
| Lexus UX | Fail | Poor |
| Hyundai Nexo | Fail | Poor |
| Mazda 3 | Fail | Poor |
| Toyota Corolla | Fail | Poor |
| Toyota RAV-4 | Fail | Poor |
| Volvo V60 | Fail | Poor |
This data underscores that while keyless entry offers convenience, security features vary significantly between car models. Owners of vehicles with “poor” ratings should be especially vigilant in implementing preventative measures against thief scanning car fobs.
Keyless Car Theft and Thief Scanning Car Fobs: FAQs
Q: Does putting car keys in a tin block the signal and prevent scanning?
A: Storing your car key fob in a metallic tin might help block the signal and prevent thief scanning car fobs. Metal can act as a Faraday cage, potentially blocking radio waves. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the tin’s material and construction. For reliable signal blocking, a purpose-designed Faraday bag is recommended. If using a tin, test its effectiveness by trying to unlock your car with the fob inside the tin while near the vehicle.
Q: Where is the safest place to keep car keys at night to avoid scanning?
A: The safest place to keep your car keys at night to prevent thief scanning car fobs is in a signal blocking pouch (Faraday bag), placed as far away from doors and windows as possible. Ideally, keep them in a room furthest from the car’s parking location.
Q: Will my car insurance cover keyless car theft if thieves scan my fob?
A: Most comprehensive car insurance policies will cover theft, including keyless car theft resulting from thief scanning car fobs. However, insurers may require proof that you still possess all sets of keys. Always verify the specifics of your policy with your insurance provider to understand your coverage in case of keyless theft.
Q: Are car manufacturers taking action to prevent thief scanning car fobs and keyless theft?
A: Yes, some car manufacturers are actively developing and implementing preventative measures. Kia, for example, provides Faraday bags with some models. Ford, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes have introduced motion sensor key fobs that deactivate after a period of inactivity, making it harder for thieves to scan car fobs when they are stationary.
Q: Are vans also at risk of keyless theft through scanning car fobs?
A: Yes, vans are also susceptible to keyless theft. There has been a reported increase in keyless van thefts, with models like the Ford Transit being frequently targeted. Van owners should also take precautions to prevent thief scanning car fobs.
Q: What is the future outlook on preventing relay theft and thief scanning car fobs?
A: Law enforcement and security experts are continually urging car manufacturers to enhance vehicle security to combat relay theft. Continued innovation in key fob technology, like motion sensors and more robust signal encryption, is expected. In the meantime, utilizing Faraday bags and physical security measures remains crucial for car owners to prevent thief scanning car fobs and protect their vehicles.
Protect Your Vehicle from Thief Scanning Car Fobs Today
Keyless car theft is a real and evolving threat. By understanding how thieves scan car fobs and employ relay attacks, and by implementing the preventative measures outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce your risk. Take proactive steps today to secure your vehicle and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ve taken effective action against keyless car theft.
For further advice or to enhance your car security, consult with a certified car locksmith in your area.
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