Cover your VIN
09-26-2003, 03:07 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Manhattan Beach, Ca / Dallas, Tx
Posts: 3,751
Cover your VIN
A friend of mine that works fro the Dallas Daily news is working on an article about this:
It seems that car thieves have found another way to steal your car or truck without any effort at all. The car thieves peer through the windshield of your car or truck, write down the VIN number from the label on the dash, go to the local car dealership and request a
duplicate key based on the VIN [number].
The car dealer's parts dept. will make a duplicate key from the VIN number without asking for proof of ownership or ID 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 to walk up to your car, insert the key and off he goes to a local chop shop with your vehicle. It is that easy.
To keep this from happening to you, simply put some opaque (electrical, duct or medical) tape across the VIN label located on the dash board.
By law, you cannot remove the VIN [number], 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 vehicle.
It seems that car thieves have found another way to steal your car or truck without any effort at all. The car thieves peer through the windshield of your car or truck, write down the VIN number from the label on the dash, go to the local car dealership and request a
duplicate key based on the VIN [number].
The car dealer's parts dept. will make a duplicate key from the VIN number without asking for proof of ownership or ID 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 to walk up to your car, insert the key and off he goes to a local chop shop with your vehicle. It is that easy.
To keep this from happening to you, simply put some opaque (electrical, duct or medical) tape across the VIN label located on the dash board.
By law, you cannot remove the VIN [number], 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 vehicle.
09-26-2003, 03:22 PM
#2
Cronic Maxima Driver
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 247
Originally Posted by MONTE 01&97 SE
A friend of mine that works fro the Dallas Daily news is working on an article about this:
It seems that car thieves have found another way to steal your car or truck without any effort at all. The car thieves peer through the windshield of your car or truck, write down the VIN number from the label on the dash, go to the local car dealership and request a
duplicate key based on the VIN [number].
The car dealer's parts dept. will make a duplicate key from the VIN number without asking for proof of ownership or ID 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 to walk up to your car, insert the key and off he goes to a local chop shop with your vehicle. It is that easy.
To keep this from happening to you, simply put some opaque (electrical, duct or medical) tape across the VIN label located on the dash board.
By law, you cannot remove the VIN [number], 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 vehicle.
It seems that car thieves have found another way to steal your car or truck without any effort at all. The car thieves peer through the windshield of your car or truck, write down the VIN number from the label on the dash, go to the local car dealership and request a
duplicate key based on the VIN [number].
The car dealer's parts dept. will make a duplicate key from the VIN number without asking for proof of ownership or ID 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 to walk up to your car, insert the key and off he goes to a local chop shop with your vehicle. It is that easy.
To keep this from happening to you, simply put some opaque (electrical, duct or medical) tape across the VIN label located on the dash board.
By law, you cannot remove the VIN [number], 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 vehicle.
09-26-2003, 03:25 PM
#4
That sucks, but not all dealerships do this. Most ask for tons of proof. I've read a few times that some don't even make you a key even though you've showed them some proof. They should ask to see the title and stuff to make a key...
09-26-2003, 06:44 PM
#10
Originally Posted by MacAlert
But isn't it different with the chipped keys? I think they require the car to be present for the keys to be programmed.
yea but if ur gettin it from the dealer, and they're using ur vin, they wil KNOW that u need the chipped key and make u the same chipped replacement key
09-26-2003, 08:25 PM
#12
Oh that's funny.. just cover it up with electrical tape?
Next time you're out washing your car, take a look at all the original windows that are in it- if there are any. you'll notice a cool feature of every window on the car having your VIN sandblasted into it.
it's also on the front fenders of many nissans, if you just lift the hood you'll see it. often you can see it by looking between the hood and fender with a flashlight.
little electrical tape will cover that right up.
small things only keep out the small timers. just like door locks only hold back the honest people. if they want your car, VIN, Key, Window, steering column.. theyr'e not going to matter.
Next time you're out washing your car, take a look at all the original windows that are in it- if there are any. you'll notice a cool feature of every window on the car having your VIN sandblasted into it.
it's also on the front fenders of many nissans, if you just lift the hood you'll see it. often you can see it by looking between the hood and fender with a flashlight.
little electrical tape will cover that right up.
small things only keep out the small timers. just like door locks only hold back the honest people. if they want your car, VIN, Key, Window, steering column.. theyr'e not going to matter.
that be a good idea 
09-27-2003, 01:35 AM
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 611
I see one problem with hiding the VIN... couldn't it be found either on the inspection or registration sticket on your windshield? I forget which had it (I'm pretty sure it's the registration one that comes from the DMV, renewed yearly), but I recall one does have it and it's pretty obvious that that is one thing that can't be hidden.
09-27-2003, 03:03 AM
#20
Cronic Maxima Driver
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 247
Originally Posted by NYC 92 GXEr
I see one problem with hiding the VIN... couldn't it be found either on the inspection or registration sticket on your windshield? I forget which had it (I'm pretty sure it's the registration one that comes from the DMV, renewed yearly), but I recall one does have it and it's pretty obvious that that is one thing that can't be hidden.
09-27-2003, 04:29 AM
#21
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (38)
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Near Archer High School, Ga
Posts: 6,451
a dealership with sense will ask for proof of ownership along with ID, is not that simple I had a dup key made for my mom and I could not get the key I had to bring her with me for her to get her key. Now if the guy is hooking them up like gone in 60secs the movie (with benz keys) then thats a different story, it can happen in any state.
09-27-2003, 05:56 AM
#22
its good to have an aftermarket alarm...my alarm will go off if they open my car w/ a key & not disabling the alarm from remote first....and no you cant start car if alarm is going off & you have a key....
09-27-2003, 07:42 AM
#23
Supporting Maxima.org Member
iTrader: (38)
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Near Archer High School, Ga
Posts: 6,451
if you guys did not know the factory Nissan alarm if triggered you can drive the car off with the alarm on but in less then 3 secs watch the car slam to a stop, they use tranny lock, only for autos 
09-27-2003, 01:24 PM
#24
Is this for 4th/5th or 6th gen?
...or was it for 3rd gen?
I wonder if I could try this....I turn on the stock alarm with driver's window open. Then I climb into my own car from the window, start the car with my key, and after 3 seconds of driving.....my car will slam into a stop?
Is this true?
I wonder if I could try this....I turn on the stock alarm with driver's window open. Then I climb into my own car from the window, start the car with my key, and after 3 seconds of driving.....my car will slam into a stop?
Is this true?
Originally Posted by JAY25
if you guys did not know the factory Nissan alarm if triggered you can drive the car off with the alarm on but in less then 3 secs watch the car slam to a stop, they use tranny lock, only for autos
09-28-2003, 12:51 AM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: NM
Posts: 2,145
Interesting article, I never heard of a dealership simply give you a key for the car. I thought most cars that have computer chip in it, you have to have that little plate number that came with the keys when you bought it new in order to get a new key made. Interesting, maybe some dumb *** service dept don't even ask for registration or I.D.
09-28-2003, 06:10 AM
#26
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,883
Originally Posted by MONTE 01&97 SE
To keep this from happening to you, simply put some opaque (electrical, duct or medical) tape across the VIN label located on the dash board.
By law, you cannot remove the VIN [number], 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 vehicle.
Thieves are thieves, they will take what they will. But don't think they don't understand risk vs. reward. Do any of you really think you are so special that someone is gonna put the stake out on you, and go through various steps over several days to steal your Maxima? I dunno about Dallas but it happens a lot quicker here in the Northeast. Then again I heard you can buy a huge house for 250,000 in Dallas. C'mon now, if they want it, they'll take it in one shot!
09-28-2003, 09:51 AM
#27
heh.. $250k for a house? waste of money.. here's what you can buy in Tulsa, OK for $250k.
http://remax.realtor.com/FindHome/Ho...5&lnksrc=00001
http://remax.realtor.com/FindHome/Ho...5&lnksrc=00001
09-28-2003, 10:36 AM
#28
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 8
Originally Posted by Matt93SE
heh.. $250k for a house? waste of money.. here's what you can buy in Tulsa, OK for $250k.
http://remax.realtor.com/FindHome/Ho...5&lnksrc=00001
http://remax.realtor.com/FindHome/Ho...5&lnksrc=00001
09-28-2003, 04:30 PM
#31
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by Matt93SE
Oh that's funny.. just cover it up with electrical tape?
Next time you're out washing your car, take a look at all the original windows that are in it- if there are any. you'll notice a cool feature of every window on the car having your VIN sandblasted into it.
it's also on the front fenders of many nissans, if you just lift the hood you'll see it. often you can see it by looking between the hood and fender with a flashlight.
little electrical tape will cover that right up.
small things only keep out the small timers. just like door locks only hold back the honest people. if they want your car, VIN, Key, Window, steering column.. theyr'e not going to matter.
Next time you're out washing your car, take a look at all the original windows that are in it- if there are any. you'll notice a cool feature of every window on the car having your VIN sandblasted into it.
it's also on the front fenders of many nissans, if you just lift the hood you'll see it. often you can see it by looking between the hood and fender with a flashlight.
little electrical tape will cover that right up.
small things only keep out the small timers. just like door locks only hold back the honest people. if they want your car, VIN, Key, Window, steering column.. theyr'e not going to matter.
09-28-2003, 07:59 PM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 222
i thought there was a special key code you had to give the dealership if you wanted to get a duplicate key and you don;t have any keys. my friend just bought a civic and they gave him a key # that he had to have if he lost all his keys. i know in my 94 maxima they key code is somewhere under the dash. i don't think the dealer can even make a key with just the VIN alone. i might be wrong though.
09-28-2003, 08:08 PM
#33
Cronic Maxima Driver
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 247
Originally Posted by CanadianMaxima
i thought there was a special key code you had to give the dealership if you wanted to get a duplicate key and you don;t have any keys. my friend just bought a civic and they gave him a key # that he had to have if he lost all his keys. i know in my 94 maxima they key code is somewhere under the dash. i don't think the dealer can even make a key with just the VIN alone. i might be wrong though.
I also have another success story with my Aunt and an 84 BMW 733i and her keys were stolen and she was able to get a key made from the VIN and this was just 3 years ago.
Anything is possible
09-28-2003, 09:06 PM
#34
thats sick but what stops them from waiting for correct moment to break your window, copy vin or atleast get glimpse of it and come back another week to steal car?
i have a fuel cutter install on my car so they couldnt steal my car if htey wanted to...
i have a fuel cutter install on my car so they couldnt steal my car if htey wanted to...
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