This was sent to me this morning from a friend. Just heard this on the news here locally. Apparently car thieves have yet again found a way around the system and steal your car or truck without any effort at all.
The car thieves peer through the windshield of your car or truck,write down the VIN number from the label on the dash, go into the local dealership for that car brand and request a duplicate key for it from the VIN number. Car dealerships make up a duplicate key from the VIN number, collect payment from the 'customer' who's really a would-be car thief for making up the duplicate key-the car thief goes back to your vehicle,inserts the key they've just gotten and off they drive with your car or truck. They don't have to break in, don't have to damage the vehicle and draw attention to themselves as all they have to do is to walk up to your car, insert the key and off they go to their chop shop with your vehicle!!!Can you believe it?
To avoid this from happening to you, simply put opaque tape (like a strip of electrical tape, duct tape or medical tape) across the VIN label located on the dash board. You can't remove the VIN number legally under most state laws, so cover it so that it can't be viewed through the windshield by a car thief. Anyway, feel free to forward this on before some other car thief steals another car or truck like this.
Unbelievable!
88888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 8

Not saying dealerships pass out keys without proof but covering up you Vin ain't a bad idea.
Thought I would pass this on

 

Doesn't matter with our trucks - the ECU wouldn't be set to recognize that key. That's the beauty of the PATS system.

They could, however, get INTO the vehicle. That's scary enough as it is.

 

Well, as a former dealer employee, let me say a few things---

First of all, the ONLY dealer that can make you a key from the VIN, is the SELLING dealer, i.e. the one who sold the vehicle. The code for the vehicle is kept on file in the original customers folder in the dealer records. You CANNOT walk into any Ford dealer with a VIN and walk out with a key.

Second of all, most dealers require strict proof of ownership to even perform this request. At the dealer I worked at, no way in hell you are walking in with no proof it's your vehicle and getting a key.

Third of all, even if someone WERE to get a new key from the selling dealer, all that key is going to do is unlock the door, which could have been done with a slim jim anyway. That new key will NOT start a vehicle with PATS as it must be programmed to the vehicle first.

So don't worry too much about that scenario.

 

Another tip as we here in Milledgeville have had a lot of vehicles stolen by what I call a "****** and grab" tow truck (the one that has the L shaped arms on the back that just wrap around ur wheels) - Park your truck where the back tires couldn't be picked up by a tow truck. The won't steal it if they can't get it to roll because it is in park. They have been doing this here locally late at night, and getting vehicles from people that don't park vehicles in their garage.

 

I'll just put a target sticker on the window and then in very fine print in the center of the bulls eye I'll put"this is what the back of your head looks like in my sights"

 

That's good new's Guess thats why I have to use two keys to make a new one work.
Still a lot of info can be gotten from vin numbers. I guess the pros could actually get what the want from you license plate number.

I remember reading where some folks leave there car for service with the garage door opener left in the car.
They get the garage door code and your address from registration and then after you telling them that your spouse and you both work they pay a little visit.
Drive right in the garage and have all the time they want to do there deed.

I know this all sounds like I am paranoid. I'm not any worse than the next guy. But we all love our toys and family's so it is good to do simple things to protect yourself.

 

nice...

 

No flame intended, since I think EZGZ brought this forward with good intentions, however it is sad the amount of miss-information that circulates these days.

BTW - In most states covering your vin will also lead to problems, since it is placed there in plain sight for a reason.

 

Exactly. I do believe that it is illegal to cover your VIN in Texas.

 

So is sodomy

 

What if I didn't buy the truck new? I'm the second owner and don't know where the first owner bought it. i'm showing up with my truck and maybe that's why they can make me a key.

 

walking in........is quite a big difference than showing up with your truck needing a key

 

Ouch, I think I just heard Banjo music.............

 

You and your "partner" must be disappointed.

 

True True, but only with humans....