***PLEASE READ THIS!!!*** VIN protection and car protection
 

****THIS IS NO JOKE!****


Not sure if some of you members have heard what has been happening lately.
Car theives are now starting to obtain your VIN number through your front window. What they do with this you might ask? Well its simple, your car from the dealersship is given a VIN for numerous reasons one of those which is for your key.

Now car theives are taking your VIN number, calling the dealership, saying they lost their key to the car and they need a duplicate made. They give the dealer the vin to your car and boom a new key is cut and your car is gone! Some car dealerships arent even ID'ing individuals to make sure who is who... Its mainly the dealers fault but its something you should be aware of.

HOW DO YOU PREVENT THIS YOU ASK?

Its easy, take a 3x5 business card and cover the vin decal in your window, its completly legal to do this and it will prevent them from obtaining your VIN number to get a new key made or at least attempt to get one.

I am not sure if car dealerships are completly aware of this but its something i want you all to be aware about espically now that my car got broken into 2 weeks ago and they took all my stereo equipment. Just want you all to be aware and be safe! Any questions feel free to pm me.

injen

Whoa....

Much thanx... I'll def. be doing this...

wow, good to know.

Getting done on the way to lunch thanks man.

It's all the fault of dealerships. They are supposed to get proof of ownership when cutting a key from the VIN#.

Hmm just called some dealerships around my area and they told me that they do need the VIN# and they also need proof of ownership of the vehicle...Im guessing like insurance, title, or registration.

Reading this kinda scares me coz dealerships will say something and then not follow through with it when someone does come in and ask to get a key made, u know?

I think im gonna cover mine up anyways.

takes like two seconds to cover it :D just do it

+repped. thx for the heads up

i believe covering up the area where your VIN number is is illegal to do.

as long as u can remove it for verification it is perfectly legal to cover it up. U just cannot remove the tag or fool with it thats when it get sketchy.

Wow, I had never thought about that. I Will cover the tag up, just in case.
Although the process of making a key in the dealership I bought it (which it would make sense that it is the only one where you can get the key through, at least here in Puerto Rico) the person whose name is in the title (or pink slip for you racers :giggle: ) is the only one who can get one and they have to go through the dealer's manager to get it.
Bright idea covering it up, nonetheless.

best and cheapest DIY ever... thank you injen

i thought i heard the cops say one time that it's illegal to cover your vin number... hmmm. i'll ask the hot cop that just bought a car from our dealership next time she's in:2pimp:

I'm going to my dealership tonight anyways with my aunt. Shes buying a new fit. So, while i'm there, perhaps i shall try to get a key copied for me by just giving them my VIN...and i'll try to be VERY persuasive..i'll let you guys know the results..

thanks i am going to do that right now

This isnt possible in all states you know. My VIN number is also on my registration sticker which is impossible to cover up so just putting an index card over that one area wont do anything. Also what if your parked in an illegal area and a cop wants to write you a ticket, how would he see your VIN number if you are not near your car and its covered up?

VIN's can sometimes be obtained by your license plate through police records. and you shouldnt be illegally parked in the first place lol.


i said that above and yes it is basically their fault


thanks man!

ok well what about the people with the registration sticker...those people cant do this

welcome


as long as you can remove the cover, thats why i said index card.


the only thing one the registration sticker i would recommend is to basically call your local dealerships. Thats really the only thing i could think of cause i am sure like you said you are required to have those on your cars.

yea we are required to have them here in NY and other states

I've been doing this for about a year and a half. On my Cavalier I had my front plate covering the vin, on the Vic I just took a black card and put it over it

^^^ Black card is a good idea. It blends in well with the black border. Saw this on the news a long time ago, but thanks for the reminder - I just covered mine :giggle:

hmmm for your case man i really dont know besides just calling your local dealers.

well....??

ya i was wondering what happened also... :shrug:

thanks for the heads up injencivic

I went to the dealer the other day to get a new copy cut as the little tabs on my origional key were worn and starting to catch. I gave them the VIN they cut and programmed the key. They asked for my name I gave it to them, paid for the key and walked out. Never did they ask me for proof. This is evidence of how little if any dealerships really check! This is a good idea to do in my book!

So what happened with this? I'm curious.

well in MA our vin is right on our inspection sticker, so it doesn't matter