Have you ever heard of wrapping your key ring in aluminum foil? It sounds out there, but it’s a smart move.
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The signal from your key fob is surprisingly easy for criminals to intercept. This way they can open your car without setting off an alarm. If you have a true keyless car model, they might just drive away. Wrapping it in foil blocks the signals.
It’s no surprise that your car is a target. It’s probably one of the most valuable things you own. Let’s take a look at some of the scams currently targeting car owners and those looking for a new car.
Cloned VIN scam
A Boston woman paid about $40,000 for an SUV on Facebook Marketplace. The Carfax report looked legitimate and Maril Bauter was given a clean title by the licensing board. Everything went smoothly for almost three years… until the police seized the vehicle.
When she bought the 2019 Toyota 4Runner, it was stolen. Bauter was the victim of a VIN cloning scam.
It all starts with a stolen car or perhaps a car written off by an insurance company. The scammer finds the same make, model and year and takes the VIN of that car. It’s as easy as taking a photo through the windshield.
The scammer then changes the VIN plate on the stolen or totaled vehicle to match the one on the clean vehicle. Now the scammer can create fake documents and complete the sale.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to spot these scams. If you are in the market and buying from a private seller:
â—¾ Use a site like Carfax or AutoCheck to check for anything strange going on with the VIN number.
â—¾ Compare the VIN on the car (near the windshield and in the door) with the title and any other documents the seller provides.
â—¾ Look for signs that the VIN plate has been removed. Run your finger over that area.
â—¾ Consider paying a mechanic or car inspection service to detect major problems or warning signs.
Bauter’s story had a happy ending: her insurance company paid her claim on the stolen vehicle. That said, not every victim is so lucky, so make sure you do your due diligence if you’re in the market for a new vehicle.
Watch a recent Kim Komando Podcast episode: Insurers use drones to look at your home
Not the only car scam on Facebook Marketplace
An 18-year-old was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for posting his neighbor’s cars for rent on FB Marketplace. The scammer collected deposits and then sent renters to the real addresses of the car owners.
said a neighbor eight People came to her home for three weeks. Another had his car vandalized by an angry potential renter.
â—¾ Never prepay for a rental through a community sales platform. It’s really best to stick with a legitimate rental company.
A throwback attack
Cybercriminals can also use old-fashioned denial-of-service attacks to overwhelm your car and potentially disable critical features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and door locks.
This attack is possible because some connected cars have built-in Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities. Like regular home Wi-Fi networks, they can even steal your data if they infiltrate your car’s local network.
It is also a question of physical safety. Remember that modern cars are controlled by multiple computers and engine control modules. If hackers can shut down these systems, they can put you in great danger.
â—¾ It is a must to regularly change the password for the Wi-Fi network in your car. It’s also a good idea to turn off your car’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you’re not using them.
The built-in monitoring is also a security risk
Every newer car has a built-in diagnostic port. Through this interface, technicians can access your car’s data, read fault codes and statistics, and even program new keys.
Anyone can purchase exploit kits that can use this port to replicate keys and program new ones to use to steal vehicles.
â—¾ Always go to a reliable mechanic. A physical steering wheel lock can also give you extra peace of mind.
Mobile malware
Another old-school internet trick targets connected cars, especially models with internet connectivity and built-in web browsers.
Scammers can send you emails and messages with malicious links and attachments that can install malware on your car’s system. Everything is possible once the malware is installed. Car systems do not (yet) have built-in protection against malware, so this can be difficult to recognize.
â—¾ Practice good computer and internet safety even when connected to your car. Never open emails and messages or follow links from unknown sources.
Find out all about the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the country’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and provides advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. Visit her website for her daily tips, free newsletters and more.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Avoid auto fraud, from bogus rentals to theft
