How to Protect Your Car from Relay Attacks and Key Cloning

Car theft has gone high-tech. Criminals no longer need to smash a window or hotwire your ignition. Instead, they’re using digital tools like relay attacks and key cloning to steal cars silently, often in less than two minutes.

If you live in states like Texas, Florida, or California, where vehicle theft rates are among the highest in the nation, understanding these tactics is critical. Here’s what you need to know, and how LoJack from VG Motors can give you peace of mind.

What Is a Relay Attack?

Relay attacks target vehicles with keyless entry systems.

How it works:

Thieves use two signal-boosting devices.
One stands near your house (often outside your front door), picking up the signal from your key fob inside.
The second stands near your car, relaying the boosted signal to trick the vehicle into unlocking and starting.

Result: Your car drives away without the key ever leaving your house.

What Is Key Cloning?

Key cloning is when criminals copy the electronic code of your fob or smart key.

How it happens:

During valet service or shady repair shops.
Through hacking tools that read your fob’s signal when you’re nearby.
By accessing the car’s OBD-II port and programming a new key.

Once cloned, thieves have a duplicate key that works exactly like yours.

Why These Attacks Are So Dangerous

Silent & quick: No broken glass, no alarms, just gone.
Targeted vehicles: Popular models like the Honda Accord, Dodge Charger, and Ford F-150 are especially at risk.
Hard to trace: Without GPS tracking, police have almost no leads.

How LoJack Protects Against Relay Attacks & Key Cloning

Most trackers just tell you the car is moving. LoJack does more:

Police-connected GPS tracking: Tap the app, hit the red button, and law enforcement gets a live link to your car’s location.
Encrypted technology: Advanced GPS encryption makes LoJack resistant to jammers and cloning-based hacks.
Average recovery time: 26 minutes. Even if thieves bypass your fob or OBD-II system, the car can still be tracked and recovered.
$5,000 recovery guarantee: Extra confidence, backed by cash.

Practical Tips to Reduce Risk

Besides installing LoJack, here are simple steps you can take:

Store key fobs in a Faraday pouch to block signals.
Avoid leaving fobs near windows or doors.
Be selective with valet and repair services.
Use a steering wheel lock as a visible deterrent.

Car thieves are evolving, but so is protection. Relay attacks and key cloning are serious threats in 2025, especially in urban areas of Houston, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York City.

But with LoJack, you’re one step ahead. When every second matters, having your car’s live location in the hands of the police makes all the difference.