How to Steal a Keyless Car in 10 Seconds--And How to Prevent It

Think your keyless fobs are secure? No they're not. Actually, it only takes ten seconds to steal a keyless car using simple, everyday gadgets that can be bought for less than PHP1,000. What thieves do is use a signal amplifier to clone your key fob's radio signals, and send it to a transmitter placed near your car. This fools your car into thinking that the thieves' transmitter is the real key that's being used to open your vehicle, so it opens the car doors and welcomes the unscrupulous crooks with open arms.

Your key fob is constantly sending out radio signals. This can be picked up by a nearby radio device, which can be cloned by a signal amplifier. The thieves can send this to transmitter close to your vehicle, and use those cloned signals to open it easily.

Here's a good example of what we're talking about:

https://youtu.be/0Colc77VjzU

How to protect yourself from "Key Fob" theft

So how do you protect yourself from these car hacks? Here are some tips you can do:

Tip #1: Deactivate your keyless fobs.

Most keyless fobs come with deactivating features. If not, ask your dealer how to deactivate them.

Tip #2: Disable keyless entry features.

It's safer to disable your car's keyless features. You can do this by consulting your manual;  if not, ask your car dealer how to do it.

Tip #3: Invest in a Faraday bag.

A Faraday bag is a type of signal blocking pouch--and make sure to place your key in it all  the times. This will stop the fob's signals from transmitting outside.

Similarly, a metal case can also be effective in blocking out signals. And a quirky alternative  you might want to try is your fridge or microwave as well.  Just don't forget they're there when you decide to heat your leftovers.

Tip #4: Keep keys around 16 feet away from front windows and doors.

Invest in a steering wheel lock. That way, it will still be difficult to drive your car away even if the thieves could  get inside your vehicle. According to the police, cars fitted with steering wheel locks are the least likely to be stolen.

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • Ford PH: no price increase for Ranger as of Jul. 2025
    Ford PH: no price increase for Ranger as of Jul. 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 04, 2025
  • MG Motor PH to launch D90 early next year
    MG Motor PH to launch D90 early next year
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 04, 2025
  • BYD Cars PH launches limited-run Seagull in Seashell Pink hue
    BYD Cars PH launches limited-run Seagull in Seashell Pink hue
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 04, 2025
  • Mazda PH launches driver development program
    Mazda PH launches driver development program
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Honda Cars PH extends ‘Style Up & Drive Promo’ with special deals for City, City Hatchback, BR-V
    Honda Cars PH extends ‘Style Up & Drive Promo’ with special deals for City, City Hatchback, BR-V
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Suzuki Dzire Hybrid vs Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S HEV CVT vs BYD Seal: new-energy sedan showdown
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • 3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    3 reasons why customers choose Toyotas
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 03, 2025
  • Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Zigwheels PH Wrapup: Local vehicle launches in H1 2025
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 02, 2025
  • Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
    Let’s inspect the Omoda E5’s interior
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 02, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025
  • ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    ELECTRIA: 2025 BYD Atto 3 - updates done right
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 05, 2025
  • Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
    Dongfeng Nammi: Stylish all-rounder
    Cesar Miguel . May 21, 2025