In the first half of 2025, there were 334,114 vehicles reported stolen. Your key fob, sitting innocently by your front door, has just become a homing beacon for car thieves. While you sleep, criminals with $100 worth of equipment can amplify that constant radio signal, relay it to your driveway, and drive off in under 60 seconds—no broken windows, no blaring alarms, no trace they were ever there.
The Silent Signal Your Car Can’t Ignore
Those convenient key fobs emit low-frequency radio signals constantly, even when idle inside your house. Your car stays ready to unlock the moment you approach—except it can’t tell the difference between you and an amplified signal from outside your bedroom window.
The numbers tell the story: ADAC testing found 230 out of 237 keyless models vulnerable, including popular targets like BMW sedans, Toyota Prius, Ford Focus, and VW Golf. UK car thefts have doubled over the past decade, with luxury vehicles bearing the brunt. It’s like leaving your house key pressed against a ground-floor window.
The $100 Hack That Beats Your Security
The relay attack requires zero technical expertise. One thief positions near your home with a signal amplifier while their partner waits by your car with a transmitter. The first device captures your fob’s signal through walls or windows, instantly relaying it to the second device that tricks your car into thinking the key is present.
Your driveway becomes as vulnerable as an unattended parking garage. The equipment is readily available online for under $100. Most thefts take just 10-60 seconds. Your expensive security system never notices because nothing gets damaged or triggers traditional alarms.
Fighting Back Against Signal Thieves
Faraday pouches or metal containers block your fob’s signal completely—the automotive equivalent of putting your phone in airplane mode. Some manufacturers are finally responding: Ford introduced sleep mode functionality, while newer systems use ultra-wideband technology that measures precise distances between the fob and the vehicle.
Aftermarket immobilizers, tracking systems, and AI-powered surveillance offer additional protection layers. The solution depends on your risk tolerance: high-value targets might justify ghost immobilizers, while Faraday pouches handle most threats. Either way, that convenient keyless access just got a reality check about the price of constant connectivity.
