VIN warning

Car thieves are looking thru windshields of vehicles writing down the the VIN and then going to the dealers with the VIN and asking them to cut them a new key because they lost it.
So I guess the best way to discourage that is put a small black card over the VIN #. Just thought I would pass this along.

Jeff

 

whoa.......where's this happening?

 

That sucks. You'd think it would be harder to get a key made than that. Something like having to bring the registration and a show a photo ID matching the name the truck is registered to. I'm pretty sure that covering the VIN is against the law here in Rhode Island.

 

also seen where they get the vin through windshield then sell your truck on ebay... usually ask for like a $500 deposit then thats it...so they get $500 person gets screwed and you get to deal with person who "bought" your truck without you knowing about it

 

If this is the case, lol, what do I do with my 2000 prerunner where the etched my vin # in all my windows????

 

is the vin visible on windows? I thought they etched in in near bottom of window where you cant see it from outside unless door is apart

 

A friend of mine did not believe this, so she called a local Dodge dealership and they told her to bring the VIN in and cut her a new key and they told her she could order a remote keyless thingie also.
I am not saying this will happen in every dealership but this is a possibility. I was told thats its not against the law to put something over your VIN, could be a pair of sunglasses, loose change, etc. Of course it is against the law to remove or tamper with the VIN .
I have no answer to those who have there VIN etched on there windows, in reality having the windows done is not a bad idea.
I am not sure what states this is happening in, but my msg came from Mass.
Jeff 06,V6, SR5, 4x4 6spd, radiant red

 

I called Toyota auto mall of Georgia on this one about 2 months ago and I told them i had lost my keys in a house fire(i hope i never do)and that i needed a new set of keys for my tacoma.I was told "i'm sorry to here about your house,however i can't get you a key or a new set for that matter without an existing key for the truck.I told him i have no keys left.He replied"well you will have to have your truck towed here or to another toyota dealer because that's toyota dealer policy !!".Furthermore if someone cut a key for your taco
and opened the door(that will work for sure)and tried to start the truck it would only "spin over and not fire the ignition"therefore it won't start.
these taco keys(late models)are "transponder keys"thats why the ecm lets the truck start with dealer programmed keys.

i hope this helps ya'll out--Wes(yes i know my typing sucks)

 

On my 2000 you can clearly see them when the window is rolled up.....maybe the screwed up that year. At least my 2005 is safe?????????????/

 

All of the ones I know of have the VIN etched on the window. I work for Toyota and I have never heard of just anyone being able to go get a key cut with a VIN and no proof of ownership. The etched window is supposed to be good and you can get a discount on your insurance for it. It it supposed to be like a theft deterrent thing because if your vehicle gets stolen it is easier to track.

 

http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/vin.asp

 

To add to this: My wife went out yesterday and tried to get in my truck with her key. My Toyota alarm was on and when she tried to open the door manually it went off.

So you need the auto remote to open the door when the alarm is armed. A key will not work, even one for the truck.

 

I have a buddy that re pulls cars as a side job... If someone wants your truck and has the know how... does not matter what you do.. their gonna get it

 

I am glad to hear that most Taco dealers will not just make keys just on a phone call.
I have a copy of all of my taco paper work and a spare key, put into my safety deposit box in my bank, just in case of a major loss or screw up.

I do agree with TacoSter, that if professional thieves want your car/truck they can get it.
Jeff, 06, V6,6spd SR5.

 

I don't know if it applies to every vehicle, but when you buy a new one the spare keys come with a key code... This comes in handy when you need a dealer cut key...

 

One of my spares had a little flat metal piece with a number that i had to produce in case i needed a new key. they wont make a key without that code. they said not to lose it or it would be a huge hassle

 

My dealer will not cut you the remote without a key code.
The key can be cut at any hardware store.
I keep it in a counsole safe with a M1911.
Most cops have auto burg tools to help idiots that lock themselves out. And I have been one.

 

Did I get a key code when I bought my truck? I don't remember. Is it a physical piece of metal or a code on paper. If I have to get a new key, how do I get it from the dealer?...Rich

 

It is a small metal tag with a few numbers on it. I think it is four numbers.