Remote Jamming Scam in Your Neighbourhood
The lastest scam in car thefts is called remote jamming and people with modern cars wrongfully assume their sophisticated vehicles are theft-safe.
Nothing could be further from the truth. South African criminals are one step ahead of technology.
Criminals make use of radio transmitters to interfere with the signal emitted from your car’s transponder. Car theft products are always being developed to prevent thieves gaining entry and anti car-jamming devices are now being sold. These devices warn vehicle owners of car-jamming signals.
Criminals Press their Remotes at the Same Time as You
Most drivers check their cars several times to make sure they are locked. Others mistakenly believe their cars are 100% protected. Some appear not to even be aware of car-jamming.
Thieves are everywhere in parking lots. They look for drivers who lock their cars and quickly walk off. Criminals press their remotes at the same time as these drivers, blocking their signal from working.
The car is therefore never locked, inviting thieves to make their move.
With remote Jamming Your Boot is also Opened
Thieves are constantly monitoring people in parking lots. They’ve got their own remotes operating on the same frequency as your cars remote. Their signal interferes with your signal, preventing it from being locked.
People with a little bit of knowledge on vehicle jamming mistakenly assume this technique applies only to doors. It’s the boot of the car too. Thieves know that this is where people put their bags, wallets, camera’s, iPads, luggage and jackets. They have a field day while you’re shopping.
Insurers Say You Neglected to Lock Your Car
Another thing to get straight with remote jamming is what the insurers say. You can try to claim from the insurer, but you will unfortunately find the claim is repudiated.
The insurer doesn’t particularly want to hear all the details. They will tell you that you simply neglected to lock your car. Insurance policies only pay out claims where there was forced entry. It is every driver’s responsibility to look at and understand the terms and conditions of their policy.
However, every case of car theft is dealt with on its own merits, depending on the policy’s wording. There are insurers who will accept claims if the insured person is able to provide them with supporting evidence such as footage from close-circuit cameras for instance.
Get Wise because there Is no End In Sight
The bad news is that there is no cut and dried solution to remote jamming scams. Crime is rife in South Africa and the innocent are more often than not made to look like the criminal.
- Make 100% sure that your car has responded to your remote control signal and that all your doors and boot are locked. Check them manually
- Take some time and have a good look around, especially for people loitering around for no rhyme or reason
- Never leave valuables lying on your car seats. The boot is still a safer option
- Find out what your insurer has to say on remote jamming
Do research. There are companies who sell early warning car alarm jammer systems. These are designed to alert you to the fact that your car is about to become the latest jamming statistic.
Remote jamming is a scourge in South Africa. Take a few moments to look around and check your car manually before you rush off, the shops aren’t going anywhere.
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All info was correct at time of publishing October 9, 2018