VIN

[johnfin]

I saw someone checking out the VIN on my car. Like what can a person do with that? Here in florida its manditory to have a title to register a car, which is locked so I dont think title fraud is an issue. Everyones VINs and licenses are exposed to the public so is there a possibility of some wrong doing?

[SMWS6TA]

With a Vin # and a fake title you can go to a dealer and get keys cut for a car with the correct chip in the drivers key. On newer cars you can "hack" those fob keys like on Vettes that all you need to be is inside 5 feet to start the car.


So protecting your VIN # these days is a must. My dash pad cover extends over my VIN #, if I had to show it I'll just pull it up.

[35th-ANV-SS]

That would be my first suspicion also - someone wanting to make a key for the car.

[johnfin]

I dont think its that easy, if so it would be the #1 way thiefs steel cars and more would be stolen. But good luck to them with my steering wheel lock that goes to the pedal. THere may be a mail order way to do it but I am pretty sure at a dealer you would need some serious proof of ownership.

[SMWS6TA]

Nope, all I flashed was my registration and DL and $25 had my ignition key in 10 mins cut from the local dealer.


I can't see them targeting your car as a high priority, but Vettes, Mercedes, BMW's, certain Caddie's then yeah I could see them higher priority for thieves to get.

[35th-ANV-SS]

Bottom line is, if a real thief wants your car...there is NOTHING you can do about it. He/she will get it. Keep it in a garage, alarm, steering wheel locks, etc are all just minor deterrents that typically only keep petty thieves from trying to steal it. A professional will get it if they want it bad enough.

Not to scare you

[SuperSSguy]

Could be setting you up for stealing your car as Scott said But i read in the paper that thieves are copying VIN #`s and using them in Canada on stolen vehicles with the same year,make and model for title and registration and selling the stolen vehicles to unsuspecting buyers- alot of owners are temporarily hiding their Vin# with a piece of tape or like ive seen on one guys Camaro a dollar bill .