Key Facts About Internet Scams, Car Theft, and Child Safety Risks

Internet Scams – Too Good to Be True

Scammers are everywhere, even on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. 

Protect yourself by meeting in a public location, verifying the seller, and never prepaying for items. 

  • If you are unsure about the seller, take a look at their account. Often, scammers have empty accounts that don’t seem active or have out-of-place posts. Checking the seller’s account and verifying they are a real person is always a smart thing to do when shopping.
  • Avoid sending money through Venmo, CashApp, PayPal, and other online apps before seeing the item in person.
  • When meeting a seller, never go alone and always meet in a busy, public location.
  • If the seller avidly insists on meeting at their property, it’s likely they could be trying to scam you or put your life in danger.

Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals. Scammers often list high-value items at low prices to lure you in.  

  • Scammers may price vehicles, electronics, furniture and other expensive goods and oddly low prices in an attempt to entice you.
  • Don’t fall for these tactics. Always ask questions beforehand and if the pricing doesn’t make sense, it’s not worth the risk.

Always trust your instincts and report scams to law enforcement to help protect others.

Car Thieves - Cloning

Car thieves are using increasingly sophisticated methods to clone key fobs and steal vehicles, particularly those with push-to-start ignitions.

Here are the most common techniques: 

Relay Attack (Signal Boosting)

  • Thieves use a relay device to capture the signal from a key fob inside a home or office.
  • One thief stands near the car with a receiver, while another stands near the house with a transmitter.
  • The transmitter relays the key fob's signal to the receiver, tricking the car into thinking the real key is nearby.
  • The car unlocks and starts, allowing the thieves to drive away

Key Fob Cloning

  • Some high-end key fobs store unique encrypted codes, but weaker security systems can be hacked.
  • If thieves gain temporary access to a fob (e.g. valet parking, car wash, or dealership employee), they can use an RIFD or NFC reader to copy the signal and create a duplicate key.

OBD Port Hacking

  • Many modern cars allow key reprogramming via the On-Board Diagnostics port. 
  • Thieves break into the vehicles, plug in a key programmer, and generate a new key fob.
  • This method is common with vehicles that have poorly secured keyless entry systems.

RollJam Attack (Rolling Code Interception)

  • Modern key fobs use rolling codes for security, meaning each unlock signal is unique.
  • RollJam devices capture the signal when a driver presses the unlock button.
  • The device jams the signal so the car doesn’t unlock immediately while storing the valid code for later use.

Bluetooth or Wifi exploits

  • Some vehicles with smart key systems use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for remote access.
  • Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in these wireless protocols to gain access.

How to Protect Your Car  

  • Use a Faraday Pouch or Box – Blocks the key fob signal to prevent relay attacks.
  • Turn Off Passive Entry – Some cars allow you to disable keyless entry in settings.
  • Use a Steering Wheel Lock – Adds a physical barrier to deter theft.
  • Reprogram Your Fob – If you suspect key cloning, visit the dealership to reset keys.
  • Invest in an OBD Lock – Blocks access to the diagnostic port.
  • Check for Tracking Devices – Thieves sometimes plant GPS trackers on cars to steal them later.

Leaving a child in a locked, hot car

About 40 children a year die from heatstroke. Always report to law enforcement if you witness a child left alone in a vehicle.

Temperatures inside a locked car can reach 170 degrees F in a matter of 10 minutes. 

Law enforcement needs more than a video

Law enforcement needs your help. Reporting helps law enforcement respond where it’s needed most.

While video footage can be a powerful tool in law enforcement and public accountability, it is not a complete or definitive source of truth. Videos provide a snapshot in time but lack crucial context, including: 

  • What led up to the incident?
  • What happened outside the camera’s frame?
  • What was the perspective of the individuals involved?
  • Were there any external factors (e.g., lighting, angles, audio clarity) affecting the perception of events?

Always call

Provide as much information as possible to law enforcement.

This helps officers know how to respond and how to assess the situation.  

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