Remote-controlled car keys can lead to break-ins by tech savvy thieves

How thieves can steal your car using an electronic signal

If you drive a car, you may utilize one of those remote-controlled keys, but FOX6's Contact 6 says some tech savvy criminals have developed a way to break in.

Locking and unlocking our cars by remote control is a modern convenience we take for granted -- but like with any technology, there can be a hitch.

"With every new convenience will come those who will take advantage and exploit those conveniences for their own evil ways,"

Within the past few years, cyber criminals have cracked the code on some car remote controls and have developed technology that allows them to clone a nearby signal.

"As you unlock your vehicle, if they are nearby they can pick up that signal that's being transmitted through the air and if they've got the right software they can decode that encrypted signal and decode and figure out what the code is to open your car,"

Once they have your code, they simply transfer it to a blank key fob, or some other device, and open your car using the new remote control.

"If you have anything in the vehicle and it's stolen, they can get past the ignition lock system- hotwiring it, whatever, and stealing the vehicle itself,"

Cars.com says the thieves have to be near you with an antenna to pick up the low power signal that the key fob is constantly giving out.

To protect yourself, Contact 6 advises getting a second alarm on the car, or for less than $20, you can purchase a pouch that blocks radio frequencies.

FOX6's Contact 6 spoke to a sales rep at Select-A-Shield and she says a customer who just had his code stolen bought one and considers it cheap insurance.