Stolen! Key fob cloning theft method used to steal 2025 4Runner 6th gen

[BerkRunner]

I’m curious how the fob cloning works when the fobs are supposed to be chipped. The thieves are able to clone the chip inside the fob also? Seems like the only real option is to get the aftermarket immobilizer. Unfortunately I’m not seeing an installer for the Ghost here in the US.

This is what AI had to say about the immobilizer already installed on the 4Runners:

• Chipped Keys: The 4Runner uses keys with embedded chips that communicate with the vehicle's ignition system. Only keys programmed to the vehicle can start the engine.

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[Bizzle]

Our key fobs are continuously emitting rfid signals. I bought a small key fob pouch that blocks rfid which everyone has been talking about in here for my key. I always have it in there and pull it out when I get to my car. You know it works when the doors won’t open when you get near the car bc the pouch is blocking the signal. I know it’s not perfect as a method but it helps reduce the risk. That’s all we can do. Reduce risk.

 

[s3lekta]

Immediate solution to this is to turn off your key when you get home or park it for long periods.

If the key is off, there is no signal to pick up.
The next morning when you walk up to the car you will notice the doors will not unlock when you grab it. Press any button to turn it back on.

To turn off the key, lock the car. Then press and HOLD the lock button then press unlock 2 times.
Make sure the lock button is pressed while doing that. You will then see 4 red flashes on your key.

why this is not a feature to toggle on / off within menu, beats me.

 

[juan mesa]

@Juan, sorry to hear this. I put a VIN lock but will ask @Ross to share what immobilizer did he use. I also slid a piece of black plastic to cover my VIN. Thanks in advance

thank you!! its so frustrating, I waited 5 months and I only enjoyed for 3 days, now it’s trash, broken window, broken wires, display scratches, glass all over the sits, now dealing with insurance.

 

[juan mesa]

thank you!! its so frustrating, I waited 5 months and I only enjoyed for 3 days, now it’s trash, broken window, broken wires, display scratches, glass all over the sits, now dealing with insurance.

Police said, that someone at the dealership or at the tracking company must gave information about my purchase with my information to someone, because they knew exactly where to come, I only had it for 3 days I only took the car to work, so I do believe it’s an inside job?

 

[BerkRunner]

thank you!! its so frustrating, I waited 5 months and I only enjoyed for 3 days, now it’s trash, broken window, broken wires, display scratches, glass all over the sits, now dealing with insurance.

That seems so fast for it to have been stolen in 3 days. Sorry to hear you’re going through this. You mentioned the cops think it’s an inside job. Are they suspecting dealership employees? I sure hope they are going to get the records for any keys that were made through the dealership or Toyota in general.

Seems like it would’ve had to be a legit key registered to the vehicle if it was a clone. The keys have chips in them that should prevent the car from starting if it’s not a registered key.

 

[adwightm11]

Police said, that someone at the dealership or at the tracking company must gave information about my purchase with my information to someone, because they knew exactly where to come, I only had it for 3 days I only took the car to work, so I do believe it’s an inside job?

Do you mind me asking what brand of tracking device was installed?

 

[papadop88]

If I was a betting man (wink wink), I’d bet on an inside job. Always. My best friend is a lieutenant in LAPD special gang unit/Vice and he has always told me that if you get robbed, it’s someone you know or knows you.

Not sure about other states/countries, but statistically in LA, 95% of robberies are an inside job. They know you, they know what you have, they know your patterns and sometimes even have access to your house/car/etc.

That would be the first place they would start investigating. That said, cops are undermanned and have bigger fish to fry so they most likely will let the insurance just pay you out and not go digging for who stole a 4Runner. The resources would outweigh the cost of the vehicle so they won’t bother. It’s now been retrieved, so insurance will just pay out the claim. Hopefully they’re cool and just give you a brand new one. If not…lawyer up and fight them.

This is the bullsh*t system we have to deal with today, unfortunately. It’s also why insurance premiums are as high as they are, especially in places like Los Angeles. Cops don’t care…

 

[juan mesa]

Police said, that someone at the dealership or at the tracking company must gave information about my purchase with my information to someone, because they knew exactly where to come, I only had it for 3 days I only took the car to work, so I do believe it’s an inside job?

Do you mind me asking what brand of tracking device was installed?

Do you mind me asking what brand of tracking device was installed?

Do you mind me asking what brand of tracking device was installed?

Sorry for the late response.
The tracking company name is Kycs.
I still haven’t heard from them, even though my truck was recovered

 

[Everybodyduck]

For those interested, I have a few of these around the house for car keys, Airpods (when you don't want anything to mistakenly connect), etc. Super cheap and get the job done. No need to overthink it or pay $40 or so for the Faraday branded ones for the same protection...

Faraday Key Fob Pouches

Thanks for the link and recommendation. I bought a few of them last night after reading your post. Good find. Always appreciate you.

 

[Dr_Al]

It easily could have been an inside job or it could have just been bad timing. You could have been driving home, passed someone sitting in their car looking for a promising vehicle to steal, and were followed. Once the thieves knew where you lived and that you didn't park it in a secure place, like a garage, they just needed come back in the middle of the night. It could have been a friend of a neighbor who happened to see you drive it home earlier that day.

Where I use to live we had a neighborhood watch that put up cameras to catch license plates of any car coming or going on each end of the street. We also put up "Smile, your on camera" signs. That helped cut down some.

I'm glad I moved. My opinion is if I'm ever on a jury trial and someone shoots a thief they are going to be found not guilty by me. Some people say "it's just stuff". Sorry, no. That stuff cost me a part of my life. I work for a living so I can buy stuff. Juan could see his insurance go up costing more money. So when someone steals something they are stealing a part of the limited amount of time each one of us has on this planet.

 

[engineero]

So sorry about this. I would recommend a Faraday box to store your keys when you aren't using them. It blocks the signals in and out of the box. It prevents those scumbags from relaying your signal to their device.

Great recommendation. I use a Faraday box for all my car key fobs and credit cards with contactless chips. It's known that thieves can clone your keys from many feet away outside of your house. You can get a Faraday box on Amazon and they are not too expensive.

 

[Van Solo]

Already posted here (Keyfob deactivation)

Press and HOLD Lock while double press unlock.

Keyfob will no longer transmit.

Press any key to reactivate.

 

[I_KuBeD_I]

Should invest in a faraday pouch to block the signal for your keyless entry vehicles. Cheap and effective.

 

[juan mesa]

Should invest in a faraday pouch to block the signal for your keyless entry vehicles. Cheap and effective.

Thank you. Looking into that and an engine immobilizer.

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