Vehicle thieves are increasingly using distraction tactics and high-tech devices to intercept key fob signals, according to the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).
Police across Canada have received reports of thieves distracting drivers to keep them near their vehicles in parking lots, shopping centres, and other busy areas, CAA South Central Ontario said in a press release. At the same time, they also use electronic devices to capture or amplify key fob signals.
“As a result, key fob-related auto theft is no longer limited to driveways or overnight incidents,” CAA said.
In a relay attack, thieves amplify the signal from a nearby key fob so the vehicle detects the key as present, allowing the thieves to unlock and sometimes start the car, according to the association. In more advanced thefts, criminals may use electronic tools inside the vehicle to reprogram or clone a new key fob for future access….