Protect your VIN numbers.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Westbank, N.O., Louisiana
Protect your VIN numbers.
I got this from another forum and thought I would share.
Here is info worth the price of your car....WHAT WILL the car thieves THINK OF NEXT?
The car thieves peer through the windshield of your car or truck, write down the VIN # from the label on the dash, go to the local car dealership and request a duplicate key based on the VIN #. I didn't believe this, so I called Chrysler-Dodge and pretended I had lost my keys. They told me to just bring in the VIN #, and they would cut me one on the spot, and I could order the keyless device if I wanted.
The Car Dealer's Parts Department will make a duplicate key from the VIN #, and collect payment from the thief who will return to your car. He doesn't have to break in, do any damage to the vehicle, or draw attention to himself. All he has to do is walk up to your car, insert the key and off he goes to a local Chop Shop with your vehicle.
You don't believe it? It IS that easy. To avoid this from happening to you, simply put some tape (electrical tape, duct tape or medical tape) across the VIN Metal Label located on the dash board.
By law, you cannot remove the VIN, but you CAN cover it so it can't be viewed through the windshield by a car thief. I urge you to forward this to your friends before some other car thief steals another car or truck.
Sorry if this is a Re-post but I felt the need to share this important information.
Here is info worth the price of your car....WHAT WILL the car thieves THINK OF NEXT?
The car thieves peer through the windshield of your car or truck, write down the VIN # from the label on the dash, go to the local car dealership and request a duplicate key based on the VIN #. I didn't believe this, so I called Chrysler-Dodge and pretended I had lost my keys. They told me to just bring in the VIN #, and they would cut me one on the spot, and I could order the keyless device if I wanted.
The Car Dealer's Parts Department will make a duplicate key from the VIN #, and collect payment from the thief who will return to your car. He doesn't have to break in, do any damage to the vehicle, or draw attention to himself. All he has to do is walk up to your car, insert the key and off he goes to a local Chop Shop with your vehicle.
You don't believe it? It IS that easy. To avoid this from happening to you, simply put some tape (electrical tape, duct tape or medical tape) across the VIN Metal Label located on the dash board.
By law, you cannot remove the VIN, but you CAN cover it so it can't be viewed through the windshield by a car thief. I urge you to forward this to your friends before some other car thief steals another car or truck.
Sorry if this is a Re-post but I felt the need to share this important information.
Not too much of an issue with Lexus cars. I know for my GS a duplicate key will not work, even if it's freshly cut. It has to be programmed and the only way you can program it is by having the key coded through the ignition keyhole. You must also have an already programmed key to do this.
However, I went to get a new key made for my dad's old camry and the parts guy didn't even check for ID. He just took the VIN and made a new key.
However, I went to get a new key made for my dad's old camry and the parts guy didn't even check for ID. He just took the VIN and made a new key.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Westbank, N.O., Louisiana
With the newer cars this may not be a problem but for older lexus models (like mines) or other cars in general it maybe a problem. Also it doesn't hurt, just a precaution.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,813
Likes: 1
From: The Bay Area, CA, USA
For lexus, make sure you don't lose your master key!!!
I always use something to cover my VIN#, I knew people can get a key by VIN#. But usually Dealer checks your registration before they cut it, but who knows, what if they have connection with a shop or know the ppl in the dealership??
I always use something to cover my VIN#, I knew people can get a key by VIN#. But usually Dealer checks your registration before they cut it, but who knows, what if they have connection with a shop or know the ppl in the dealership??
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I cant believe you did not know this! As far as I can remember you could do this for any Toyota vehicle, NO questions asked!
On the new models you cant start the car but who cares? Once a thief has access to the inside they have access to everything else.
On the new models you cant start the car but who cares? Once a thief has access to the inside they have access to everything else.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,285
Likes: 43
From: NV
Many years ago, I was helping a friend move across town and he locked us out of my '97 LS400. I went to the dealership to get a key re-cut, and since my service guy wasn't in, no one there knew me. They photocopied my driver's license and checked that the car registration matched with the DMV before issuing me the key. I'm amazed that any dealer would just give out keys if some random guy came in and gave them a VIN#... that's shocking.
what the hell? everytime I needed to get a key made they ask for registration and my drivers license. some dealers would only cut for the registered owner....and that sucks since none of my cars are in my name.
