Thieves Using Key Fob Signals To Break Into, Steal Cars

Deborah Souverain reports thieves use a key bob reader and are able to unlock vehicles.

[Joe-idns]

Good report by professional, attractive reporter that knows how to appear on tv. Thanks

[Distress.]

It's crazy that carmaker implemented such an exploitable feature

[heiwhdwhwk]

Doesn't matter if you put your keys away from your front door, your smart key will constantly send signals to your car within 500 feet. However, Toyota has a way where if you hold the lock button, and press the unlock twice at the same time, you can disable your key from sending RFID signals do your car. Not sure if it would work for other cars, but I would definitely try. You could also purchase a key fob pouch that has metal conductive material around it to prevent your key from sending RFID signals to your car.

[tromick]

I love how the news live still look like 2011-2013. This vid gave me hey-days.

[humorss]

button start is the most stupid feature ever implemented, you have no choice to not transmit signal at all time.

[rukidding]

Hiding the fob in a pouch defeats the whole point of fob's functionality and makes it needlessly complicated. The key fob manufacturers should be held responsible for financial impact of their device/s flaws. Why can't they activate fob (turn it on) when the unlock button is pressed and deactivate it (turn it off) when the lock button is pressed? Is it too complicated or we become that stupid by hiding our keys in a pouch?

[maribelreyes]

Thank you so much for this information. I had no idea that thieves could do that. We need to be careful. They’re using technology more often to commit crimes. Good report!

[harveynorman]

On my previous car, there is a menu option to prevent the car from opening from a touch of the door handle with the keyfob in the vicinity. I disabled that and the only way to enter is by pressing the key fob.

However, if the car is a keyless start, they could break the glass and go through the window and they again access to the driver side, they could possibly start the car using the device they are using, unless the cars computer is smart enough that it should detect the door has opened first. So at least get a car with key hole and immobilizer.

[SandyRose-xlwe]

Go back to keys. You may be able to disable your fob. Try pressing and holding the LOCK button and tapping the UNLOCK button twice. You can press any button to enable.

[dru]

You can actually disable the feature where your key fob gives the signal to your car . Make it to work manually, ie only when you push the unlock button. I did that to my RX.

[TriPham-jb]

They can record your fob signal when your use it in the parking lot and so never use your fib unless absolutely necessary. Use manual key save your car longer

[jacobwilliams]

Too much tech is a bad thing, just have a regular key that you need to stick in the ignition.

[mattnash]

Wait until they start doing this for the keyless devices for our home locks and the like. They’ll be able to walk right inside the house.

[WildDisease]

Auto theft laws need to be more punishing, like theft over 5K and homeburglary

[SkpBreath]

Clearly inside job that government allows. These cars end up on trains, boats to other countries. For this to be available without papers for trains boats cargo not to be questioned is ridiculous

[marie-christinegegajtleblo]

For my Canadian Hyundai Sonata PHEV 2016, if you want to disable the Car Key Fob, Hold the Key Fob Lock Button 4 seconds. After the 4 seconds, Keep Holding the Car Key Fob Lock but also press the Car Key Fob Unlock Button for 2 seconds. This will stop the continuous RFID signal from Key Fob. If you try to open the car door by pressing the button on the car handle, it will not open (unless you have another set of the Car Key Fob still emitting with you). Another benefit to disable the Car Key FOB, the battery last longer. If you want back the continuous RFID signal, just press the Key Fob Unlock Button. This will keep your car to be stolen by thieves with relay attack where ever you are. Make sure to do this for all the other Car Key Fob of the same car (especially when you are at home) unless it will allow thieves to relay attack because they will catch the rfid signal of the others Car Key Fob.

[jamesconway]

Unfortunately, this is a very real thing that most people are not aware of. I personally had a green night out of the town. Only to find my keys had been messed with and to the point where I thought that my key fob was destroyed. Only to find out that somebody had messed with it. And the only way I know this for a fact is.I was sitting outside my car with my keys in the house and the lights went on and off indicating that the doors were unlocked.Yes I was nowhere near my key fob

[peezyp]

They should make it law if you get caught stealing a car…you get an automatic 10 yrs no probation!

[damnjustassignmeone]

Or use a faraday bag. That’s what I do.

[w.e.s.]

No they ain't tapping into anything. It's a key programmer and the vin number. U buy the programmer bluetooth it to your phone and press in the vin. It sets a new fob up and there u go. It's the same thing lock smith's use and the dealership uses. It's easier then back in the day busting a key switch and going