I have a friend in FL who sent this email to me.

Let's not make it easy for car theives.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>
<o></o>
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 vehicle, 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 e-mail, 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 dark tape (electrical tape, duct tape or medical tape) across the VIN Number Metal Label located on the dashboard.

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.

I slipped a 3x5 card over my VIN
NUMBER. PASS THIS INFORMATION ON TO
ALL YOUR FAMILY <o></o>

 

I've had new keys cut at the dealership. I told them my vin they asked for ID and proof of Ins.

 

Yep, but fake id's are easy to come by (ask an illegal) and the down payment on a 6 month policy gets you proof of insurance with that name on it.

 

A lot of the newer trucks use Ford's PATS anti-theft system which uses a chip in the key.

Not sure when they started using it on SDs, but both my '08 and my '11 have it. They can have a key made but it won't start the truck!

Also, I've never heard of a dealer who will cut a key without a registration proving ownership, but I'm sure they are out there.

 

in the dealship parts dept i worked for we had to ask for proof of ins a valid reg and a drivers linc. then we had to run the reg with the state to make sure the person was the owner, had a guys girlfriend come in and cause she was not the owner we could not make the keys.

 

You should check Snopes before posting this stuff.

While it is possible for a theif to do this, hiding your VIN will not protect your vehicle.

snopes.com: VIN Car Thieves

 

I tried to get one made last week for one of our trucks and had to bring in current reg and ID to match the registration.

 

You wouldn't even need a fake ID, I've got a truck insured that I bought to flip, I've got insurance with it's VIN in my name. The truck isn't registered to me yet. If that dealer truly only required an ID and a proof of insurance, within a months time I could get keys to any vehicle.

 

Hell, if I had fake ID that could stand up, I'd get my credit going and BUY a new truck...or 20....

 

Most illegals don't have a fake ID...or any for that matter, other than their ID from their home country. I get people trying to get me to employ them all the time. I don't do it because I won't do it.

 

There could be people inside the dealership who are in on the scam. Like the movie "Gone in 60 Seconds" with those laser cut keys. Just a thought, odds of it really happening are slim to none I'd say.

 

a better solution if you're truly worried about this is to change the lock cylinders, and keep the key code in your wallet...

the key code that the VIN is associated with will no longer work on that vehicle, and if you ever need a key cut, you can take the key code to ANY locksmith will cut you a new key.

 

Every dealership I have been to and had a key made for my Hondas keeps record of who they cut what key for and the VIN. Go get a key made and that truck comes up stolen, see if they don't come talk to you first buddy. Good luck!

 

i have been getting that email on and off for over 10 years now.
it is BS.

 

I locked myself out of my truck shortly after I bought it. I was washing and vacuuming it out at a car wash next to the dealership. I was wiping down the door trim and accidentally hit the lock button. I had the radio on, keys in ignition (obviously), wallet, cell phone, etc inside. I walked over to the service dept and told them my story laughingly. I convinced them that I was the owner, and could provide anything they could ask for to verify, but all that info was inside the truck. You could literally look out the service dept window and see my truck sitting at the pay vacuum. They agreed to cut me a key from the VIN. So I borrow a piece of paper and pen, walk over, jot down VIN, come back and get new key. Walk back over to truck, get wallet and registration, and return to pay for key cutting service. I think it cost me 5 bucks or something like that. Since that day, I have had a spare key ziptied to the truck in a VERY inconspicuous location that nobody would ever think to look. I actually made it too hard for me to find once. My nephew was crawling around the truck when tailgating, and hit the lock button somehow, and he shut the door locking us out. I finally found the key, but got a little dirty finding it.

I must be cursed with locking myself out of vehicles. I bought a 1994 jeep grand cherokee about 15 years ago, and the VERY day I got it home felt the need to wash/wax it. Same story mostly. Cleaning the door panel, hit the lock button (Jeez I'm stupid) and locked myself out. Had to call a locksmith. He said "you need to get a spare or two for this reason". I said look in the cupholder when you get inside. There sat 4 keys, two normal keys, and two vallet keys. He just laughed and took my 85 bucks.