June 23, 2024, 6:30 a. m.
(Photo Pexel)
(Photo Pexel)
BY KIM KOMANDO
Have you ever heard of wrapping your keychain in aluminum foil?It sounds obvious, but it is a success.
Its key fob sign is strangely easy for criminals to intercept. This allows them to open your car without triggering an alarm. If you own a genuine keyless car model, they may just walk away. Wrapping it in aluminum foil blocks the signs.
It’s no surprise that your car is a target. It is one of the most valuable things he owns. Let’s take a look at some recent scams targeting car owners and those buying a new vehicle.
Cloned VIN scam
A Boston woman paid about $40,000 for an SUV on Facebook Marketplace. Carfax’s report was legitimate, and Maril Bauter obtained an unambiguous name from the licensing agency. Everything went well for almost 3 years. . . until the police confiscated the vehicle.
When he 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 insurance company. The scammer discovers the same make, model, and year and takes the VIN of that car. It’s as undeniable as taking a photo through the windshield.
The scammer then adjusts the VIN plate of the stolen or totaled vehicle to match that of the blank vehicle. Now, the scammer can create documents and finalize the sale.
Unfortunately, it’s tricky to spot those scams. If you’re at the market and buying from a personal seller:
Bauer’s story had a happy ending: his insurance company paid his claim for the stolen vehicle. That said, not all victims are so lucky, so be sure to do your due diligence if you’re in the market for a new vehicle.
This is the only car scam on Facebook Marketplace
An 18-year-old man has been arrested in Fort Lauderdale for renting his neighbors’ cars on FB Marketplace. The scammer collected deposits and then sent the tenants to the real addresses of the car owners.
A neighbor said eight other people showed up at her home in three weeks. Another had his car destroyed through a potential tenant.
• Never prepay a rental through a network sales platform. Really, it’s more productive to stick with a legitimate rental company.
and in return
Cybercriminals can also harbor outdated denial-of-service attacks to overwhelm your vehicle and potentially disable critical features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and door locks.
This attack is feasible since some connected cars have built-in Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities. As with regular home Wi-Fi networks, they can even borrow your knowledge if they infiltrate your car’s local network.
It’s also a matter of physical security. Remember that there are several computers and engine modules that run the trendy cars. If hackers manage to shut down those systems, they can put you in serious danger.
• It is imperative to regularly replace your car’s Wi-Fi network password. Turning off your car’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi is also a smart concept when you’re not.
Integrated tracking is a security risk
• Always contact a reputable mechanic. A physical locking of the wheels can also give you extra peace of mind.
Mobile malware
Another old-school trick is affecting connected cars, especially models with connectivity and built-in network navigator.
Criminals can send you emails and messages that include malicious links and attachments that can install malware on your car’s system. Anything is imaginable once malware is installed. Automotive systems don’t have built-in malware coverage (yet), so it can be tricky to detect.
• Practice safety and smart computer, even when connected to your car. Never open emails or messages or stick to links from unknown sources.
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