Prevent scammers form targeting your vehicle

By: Kim Komando
Special to USA Today

..... Ever heard of wrapping your key fob in aluminum foil? It sounds out there but it's a smart move.
..... Your key fob's signal is surprisingly easy for criminals to intercept. that lets them open your care without setting off any alarms. If you have a true key-less car model, they might be able to just drive away.
..... It's not surprise your car is a target. It's probably one of the most valuable things you own. Let's look at a few scams right now targeting owners.

Cloned VIN scam

..... A Boston woman paid around 440,000 for an SUV on Facebook Marketplace. The Carfax report looked legit, 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 brought the 2019 Toyota 4Runnerm it was stolen. Bauter was the victim of a VIN cloning scam.
..... It all starts with a stolen care or perhaps one totaled out by an insurance company. The scammer fined the same make, model and year and takes the VIN from that car, It's as easy as snapping a picture through the windshield.
..... The Scammer then changes the VIN plate to match the one on the clean vehicle. Now, the scammer can cerate fake documents and complete the sale.

Fake car rentals

..... An 18-year-old was arrested in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for posting his neighbors' cars for rent on Facebook Marketplace. The Scammer collected deposits and then sent renter to the care owners' real address.
..... Don't pay ahead for a rental through a community sales platform. It's best to stick with a legitimate rental company.

Hacking vehicle Wi-Fi

..... Cybercrimals can also employ old-school denial-of-service attacks to overwhelm your vehicle and potentially shut down critical functions like airbags, anti-lock breaks and door locks.
..... This attack is feasible since some connected cars have built-in Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities. They can even steal your data if the infiltrate your car's local network.
..... Regularly changing your car's on board Wi-Fi password is a must. Turning off your car's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi also a good idea when not in use, too

Key duplication

..... Every newer car has an on board diagnostic port. This interface allows mechanics to access your car's data, read error codes and statistics and even program new keys.
..... Anyone can buy exploit kits that can utilize this port to replicate keys and program new ones to use them for stealing vehicles.
..... Always go to a reputable mechanic. A physical steering wheel lock can also give you extra peace of mind.

..... Learn about all the latest technology on "The Kim Komando Show." Of Kim's daily tips, newsletter and more, visit her website at Komando.com .