Oh Good, Thieves' Tool of Choice for Opening Your Car Is on Sale for Black Friday Too
Good news! That “ mysterious device” that extends the reach of keyless entry systems so meth heads — um — ICP fans — er — idiots can rummage through your car and borrow your wallet, purse or golf clubs without bringing them back is now on sale!
For 15-percent off for the holiday weekend only, you can have your own Chinese-made codes that totally won’t be used for going through your neighbor’s Prius and stealing his iPod.
The code scanner uses “brute force” or “nerd magic” to pick up key codes and open car doors. The device sells for around $100 on many easily found sites, but for savvy shoppers looking to spend their saved dough on cheap cough syrup, it’s 15-percent off for you!
I’m sure there are many legitimate uses for the code scanner — which I found on sale for the weekend on a Chinese website — none of which they’re being used for.
There are instructional videos online that show how to use the code scanner, which I absolutely don’t understand.
Thankfully, the small, handheld device is getting attention from officials and researchers as problematic for car owners who don’t appreciate their handbags getting pinched in mall parking lots.
Whether the device actually works or not is another story entirely.
So if you’re looking for something for that hard-to-shop-for tweaker in your life, at least you can save a little scrilla to use as bail money later.
(Reminder: If your car is parked on the street and you’re in a neighborhood that may have a problem, keep your keys in the freezer or in one of these.)
(H/T to David for the NYTimes story.)
More by Aaron Cole
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Oh boy, I want one! That way I can go to a certain southwest US city and steal a certain school principal's classic Mustang! Oh, wait a minute - that car uses a physical key - phooey! Foiled again...
Is there a legitimate use for these devices? Some theoretical purpose that justifies them not being illegal to make, sell or possess?
More and more, it seems the Chinese are willing to sell us the rope that we'll (eventually) hang ourselves with.
"keep your keys in the freezer" Yes, I'm sure the electrics in your complex key will enjoy the cold and also the moisture.