C4/C5 Owners beware of theft
Discussion
This story is in this months Classic American
You all know your VIN number is on display under the glass on the front screen.
Well, somebody recently tried to get a key cut at OCW using the VIN for a car they don't own! They also had the Logbook for the car, presumably those nice people at the DVLA supplied it based on the description and the VIN number regardless of proof of ownership.
Seems Amanda at OCW thought the guys behaviour was odd on the phone and that he wanted the keys urgently. Turns out the VIN number she had been given belonged to guy at AC Automotive!
Read the full story as it makes very scary reading
I am planning to cover my VIN number, it might be wise to consider doing the same for yours if it is left anywhere public.
If someone tries to steal my car they are going to get
You all know your VIN number is on display under the glass on the front screen.
Well, somebody recently tried to get a key cut at OCW using the VIN for a car they don't own! They also had the Logbook for the car, presumably those nice people at the DVLA supplied it based on the description and the VIN number regardless of proof of ownership.
Seems Amanda at OCW thought the guys behaviour was odd on the phone and that he wanted the keys urgently. Turns out the VIN number she had been given belonged to guy at AC Automotive!
Read the full story as it makes very scary reading
I am planning to cover my VIN number, it might be wise to consider doing the same for yours if it is left anywhere public.
If someone tries to steal my car they are going to get
Good idea Nige, don't know why any of us hasn't thought about covering the VIN before. I can't think of any cars other than US cars that have a visible VIN?
Amazingly (this is fact because it happened to me) If someone else applies for a log book for a car, DVLA will write to the registered keeper giving them 2 weeks to contest the application. Otherwise they'll send out a new log book to the person who's applied for it!
That would be nice to come home to if you've been on a long holiday!
I'm not political but our laws do seem to favour the easy way out...
Amazingly (this is fact because it happened to me) If someone else applies for a log book for a car, DVLA will write to the registered keeper giving them 2 weeks to contest the application. Otherwise they'll send out a new log book to the person who's applied for it!
That would be nice to come home to if you've been on a long holiday!
I'm not political but our laws do seem to favour the easy way out...
. 
.Actually one thing's just occurred to me for a C4 (don't know whether C5s or Vipers are the same?)
Our ignition keys have one of 15 different types of resistance pellets in the key that the VATS system needs to read before starting the car.
Anyone asking for 15 ignition keys to be cut with the same pattern might arouse some suspicion!!!
Our ignition keys have one of 15 different types of resistance pellets in the key that the VATS system needs to read before starting the car.
Anyone asking for 15 ignition keys to be cut with the same pattern might arouse some suspicion!!!
vetteheadracer said:
The C5 has the same pellet, but the VIN number determines which of the 15 is correct!
Makes you wonder what GM smart*rse had the idea of displaying the VIN to the world!
Actually if I was being a sm*rt*rse I'd say that Callaway Corvette owners shouldn't have to worry as our cars carry a different VIN - when converted Callway replace the original VIN with their own sequence.
Must have some clout with Chevrolet to get away with that one...
This seems incredible! My other car is over 6 years old and also has visible VIN - I'd assumed it was standard practice with the purpose of REDUCING the opportunity for thieves. It sounds totally bonkers if cars effectively have their key numbers (and alarm/immobiliser codes?) on display.
Now where did I put that handy bit of black card.....
Now where did I put that handy bit of black card.....
[quote]
Makes you wonder what GM smart*rse had the idea of displaying the VIN to the world!
[/quote]
Its a legal requirement!! Blame the stupid Federal government.
The ignition key code is not determined by the VIN but by the programmed resistance value in the CCM. Only the door key sequence is from the VIN
Makes you wonder what GM smart*rse had the idea of displaying the VIN to the world!
[/quote]
Its a legal requirement!! Blame the stupid Federal government.
The ignition key code is not determined by the VIN but by the programmed resistance value in the CCM. Only the door key sequence is from the VIN
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