Posted by Charm_AL on 11/17/05 9:11am
Msg #77140

FWIW: new car-jacking scheme...

Please keep this circulating...

You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car, and get inside. Then
you start the engine and shift into REVERSE, and you look into the
rear view mirror to back out of your parking space and you notice a
piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window.

So, you shift into PARK, unlock your doors and jump out of your car to
remove that paper (or whatever it is) that is obstructing your view.
When you reach the back of your car, that is when the car-jackers
appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off!

Your engine was running and they practically mow you down as they
speed off in your car. And guess what ladies? I bet your purse is
still in the car...

BE AWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED.

Just drive away and remove the paper that is stuck to your window
later, and be thankful that you read this email. I hope you will
forward this to friends and family... especially to women! A purse
contains all of your identification, and you certainly do NOT want
someone getting your home address. They already HAVE your keys!

Lieutenant Tony Bartolome
Bureau of Investigations
Florida Highway Patrol
P.O. Box 593527
Orlando, FL 32859! 08:25:25 EDT

Reply by Tennessee on 11/17/05 9:39am
Msg #77144

In addition (just rec'd this a.m.)

VIN # on your car.
> -----Seems that car thieves have found yet another way to steal your car or truck
> without any effort at all. The car thieves peer through the windshield of
> your car or truck, 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 a friend at 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.
>
> To avoid this from happening to you, simply put some tape (electrical tape,
> duct tape or medical tape) across the VIN Metal Label located on the dash
> board. 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.
>
> Some people have slipped a 3 x 5 card over the VIN #
>

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 11/17/05 9:50am
Msg #77149

Re: In addition (just rec'd this a.m.)

The VIN number scam is reported on the Urban Legends page.

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

It apparently isn't as easy as the e-mail circulating makes it sound.

And the one about the flyers in the back window is also reported (as False)

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

Reply by Tennessee on 11/17/05 9:54am
Msg #77151

well, hmmmmm...I just called my dealership and...

asked them what they needed to make me a new key. They said the VIN number AND in order to pick up the key I would need to show ID...I can only hope they ID me as well as I ID my borrowers ~smiles~

Reply by Charm_AL on 11/17/05 10:01am
Msg #77154

Thanks Sylvia...n/m

Reply by PA_Notary_II on 11/17/05 10:18am
Msg #77161

Re: In addition (just rec'd this a.m.)

This just isn't true. When I was in consumer bank lending, I was responsible for repossessions. The VIN# was always available in the customer's loan file, but I had to present a copy of the note AND my business and personal ID before the dealer would provide me with a key set. Likewise, legitimate locksmiths will not provide a set of keys from a VIN#, only a duplicate set made from your original, unless you provide proof of ownership and ID.
Certainly, I can think of some scenarios where a theif could manipulate the system, but it would take a measure of creativity.

Reply by m_fl on 11/17/05 3:20pm
Msg #77246

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