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Do You Cover Your Dash VIN?

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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 02:37 PM
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Default Do You Cover Your Dash VIN?

I got one of those chain emails explaining how thieves can record a VIN through the windshield, call the dealer to have a key cut, then simply drive off with your car. The recommendation was to tape over the VIN. Don't remember this being discussed here. It can't be that simple can it?
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 02:39 PM
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If that were true, how is it any of us still have cars?
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 02:42 PM
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Everytime I went to the dealer with a key related thing I had to have reg and ID.
No way you can just call them and get a key...lol
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 02:42 PM
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Originally Posted by msgvert
I got one of those chain emails explaining how thieves can record a VIN through the windshield, call the dealer to have a key cut, then simply drive off with your car. The recommendation was to tape over the VIN. Don't remember this being discussed here. It can't be that simple can it?
The Ford dealership did it for my F-150, but they asked for I.D. before they would do it.
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 03:11 PM
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Whatever.. I got an offer from a nigerian prince for 10 million dollars. I just sent him my info so in a few days, hellloooo zr1.
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 03:22 PM
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NO, I don't cover my dash VIN on any of my/our vehicles.

It is like those who cover their license plates when they post pictures of their cars online, you don't do it on the road or out in public where anyone can see ones license plate, why online?

I don't give it a moment of thought.

Last edited by BenC5; Oct 1, 2010 at 03:36 PM.
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted by dangerz
Whatever.. I got an offer from a nigerian prince for 10 million dollars. I just sent him my info so in a few days, hellloooo zr1.
wow dude you sure are lucky
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 03:36 PM
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Glad to hear that the dealer asked for some idenification. According to the email "author", he called several dealers and was not once asked for an id. Maybe this goes belongs the urban legend category.
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 04:04 PM
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Originally Posted by dangerz
Whatever.. I got an offer from a nigerian prince for 10 million dollars. I just sent him my info so in a few days, hellloooo zr1.
Way a minute, he sent that to you too?
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 04:04 PM
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Isn't it also illegal to cover up your dash vin#
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 04:37 PM
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Illegal or not, I certainly do! It's one of the last ways for thieves to get Vettes besides towing. Get a key and drive it away, beautiful! Showing your VIN number to the bad guys is like giving your SS number away, why do it? Think about it, some jerk only needs to know the car wash guy or some other low level in at the dealership to make it happen.
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 10:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Nick1
Illegal or not, I certainly do! It's one of the last ways for thieves to get Vettes besides towing. Get a key and drive it away, beautiful! Showing your VIN number to the bad guys is like giving your SS number away, why do it? Think about it, some jerk only needs to know the car wash guy or some other low level in at the dealership to make it happen.
I had an extra key cut and was asked to provide a copy of the title.
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Mr.Bill
Everytime I went to the dealer with a key related thing I had to have reg and ID.
No way you can just call them and get a key...lol
Most, if not all, dealers have strict policies on what is required in order for them to cut a key.
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 10:37 PM
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Try going to a dealer with just a VIN and ask for a key, you can even tell them it's an emergency. You'll never get a key made unless you provide id. So no need to cover up the VIN in your dash. If it was that easy to get a key every nice car would be stolen. I had to get a key last year, the dealership knew me very well, and I still had to give id for their records. ...... So no worries

Last edited by silverbullit99; Oct 1, 2010 at 10:41 PM.
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 10:42 PM
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Do you really think that the insurance industry would allow VIN #'s to be displayed if it was that easy???
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 10:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Nick1
Think about it, some jerk only needs to know the car wash guy or some other low level in at the dealership to make it happen.
Would never take my Vette to the car wash or the dealer so I guess I'm safe. Whew!
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Old Oct 1, 2010 | 10:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Millenium Z06
Way a minute, he sent that to you too?
Originally Posted by dangerz
Whatever.. I got an offer from a nigerian prince for 10 million dollars. I just sent him my info so in a few days, hellloooo zr1.
I'm begining to think I may not see the money promised to me
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To Do You Cover Your Dash VIN?

Old Oct 2, 2010 | 12:53 AM
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The wife recently bought an 09 Saturn Vue,,,only got 1 key. To get another,,had to show the paperwork AND a picture I.D. to get another key!! Guess it COULD happen ,,but not very likely!!
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Old Oct 2, 2010 | 02:08 AM
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I don't place that much hope on my key preventing a thief from stealing my car...

They could just tow the car, anyone with a copy of a key would probably just joy ride and not strip it down.
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Old Oct 2, 2010 | 02:29 AM
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That's why you pay all that money for car insurance. Don't sweat it!
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