With an old Nokia? Video reveals new way to steal vehicles

With the increase in crime, especially in large cities, concerns about safety are becoming increasingly common in everyday life. News reports of robberies and thefts are constantly being reported, while criminals are coming up with new and even more creative strategies to steal.

Car theft has become very common, which forces brands and manufacturers to invest in security. This is done, for example, by producing cars without contact for the key. This means that it is necessary to bring the key close to the vehicle to start it, making the famous “direct start” more difficult.

However, as we know, thieves can be very creative and are now using new tricks that put drivers on alert. Find out more below.

Thieves use Nokia and JBL speakers to steal cars

In recent days, videos have been circulating on the internet of people using a Nokia 3310 or a replica of a JBL speaker to start their cars.

In the video, the person uses an old cell phone to start a Toyota RAV4 without having the keys. He connects the device to a USB cable, moves the device, and the car starts as if by magic.

Although it may seem fake, the video is real, but we can’t say the same about the device. In fact, the phone is just a camouflage for a car unlocker.

This instrument works by sending a radio signal to the vehicle, which is redirected to the keys. They then send the information back and confirm the presence on the device.

Check out the video below:

JBL box used for thefts

Canis Labs CTO of Cybersecurity Ken Tindell says:

“All they have to do is run two wires through the device, remove the headlight, and insert those wires into the correct holes in the vehicle’s connectors.”

Tindell is referring to the use of speakers to steal cars. Although it is a slightly more time-consuming method that requires a certain amount of skill and knowledge from the thief, it is possible and, according to the CTO, there is nothing the consumer can do.

These devices used in crimes are sold on the black market for around US$2,700 to US$20,000, equivalent to a margin of R$13,000 to R$98,000.