Car thieves have a new trick. They can steal a car with the help of a USB

• Thieves have learned how to steal cars with the help of a fake USB key
• Cars with diagnostic USB ports are at risk
• Theft is quick, easy – and the police almost powerless

Thieves know different ways to steal cars – but the police in the American state of Massachusetts have now revealed a completely new and completely unprecedented trick. Clever thieves have used modern technology and with a little knowledge of programming and a handy scanner they can steal practically any car. They need only 2 things to do this – buy a “fake” blank key and program it with a scanner as a car key. Then they leave with any car that has entry USB to perform diagnostics and the start button.

This type of theft is very inconspicuous and, above all, quick. However, the basis is that the thief must find an unlocked car (he cannot unlock it with a fake key). Or they have to break into it by force. Then all he has to do is get on and connect the programmed one USB key with scanner to port for diagnostics. Instead of normal problem diagnosis, this will upload it instruction to start.

Then just press the start button and drive away. According to the police, all this is just a matter of fact 30 seconds.

Newtown police say one minute is all it takes for thieves to steal vehicles without the key . This video shows a person breaking into a car. Investigators tell me the scanning device he’s using will starts the car. Anyone can buy it. This is a trending crime right now. @Local12 pic.twitter.com/Ovqt6ViRUy

— Marella Porter (@marellasp) August 12, 2024

The police have confirmed that the thieves are particularly interested in models Kia and Hyundaibut they could try it this way with other types of cars as well. And not only in the USA – it is enough for the non-stoppers from Europe to learn this trick and domestic cars will also be in danger. According to the police, the best measure is prevention, i.e. locking the car, or other security measures such as a camera, GPS or an alarm.

After all, a clever SMS trick with fines is also related to cars, which is most recently being tried by fraudsters directly in the Czech Republic.

Have you personally encountered persistent car thieves?

Source: Fox19, Local12