Opportunistic criminals and dishonest tricksters are nothing new. There is always a subconscious concern for those of us who own cars as to whether these vehicles are safe from thieves, hijackers, and other crooks.
This is probably even more of a concern if you’ve invested in a smart cruiser like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Buick Encore, or VW Atlas that you rely on to get your family around. It pays to know how your car protects itself and how you can ensure you are not ripped off. With car theft still one of the most frequently occurring crimes, there are some trends to note. Below there is a list of the most stolen cars and tips to follow.
While some thieves tend to target older cars in the belief that their security systems are less advanced, some states show that criminals prefer specific brands, with Chevrolet Impalas listed as the most commonly stolen car in Illinois and Michigan, for example.
Most Stolen Cars: Top 10
There are some patterns in types of cars stolen by state too, with sedans popular amongst thieves along the Northeast and West coast. The most recent information shows the following to be the most stolen cars in North America:
- Honda Civic
- Honda Accord
- Ford Pickup
- Chevrolet Pickup
- Toyota Camry
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Corolla
- GMC PIckup
- Dodge Pickup
- Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
The Role You Play In Security
Thieves and robbers are no longer just the dodgy guys with a piece of metal jimmying open your car door – in current times. These are often smart, high-tech, knowledgeable people who know enough to get your remote jammed, interfere with your ability to lock your car, and – unbeknownst to you – gain access to your ride.
Most modern cars are well-equipped with features to prevent this, however. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be extra cautious when you’re out on the roads, though, as it’s not just up to car manufacturers to ensure your vehicle stays safe – it’s also the owner and driver’s responsibility to do their bit.
There are a few common-sense tips to keep in mind in this regard:
- Avoid unsafe areas or places with a reputation for being dangerous as far as possible.
- Close all windows and lock the doors when you park.
- Choose your spot – make sure it is well-lit if it’s after dark.
- Take your keys with you when you go.
- Ensure you don’t leave any valuables inside the car, definitely not in plain sight.
- Never leave your car running and unattended.
- Familiarize yourself with the features on your car to maximize security
- Consider installing a vehicle tracking service.
- Coast to a slow stop at traffic lights and be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid distractions at traffic lights, stop signs, and times when you are vulnerable as the driver – resist the urge to take out your phone to scroll through social media at the red light.
Buying and Selling Scams
Having your car stolen is not the only thing to be wary of, with so many car buying scams to watch out for, too. If you aren’t able to purchase through a dealer and want to buy through a private individual, you need to be alert to the possibility of having a fake advert that requires you to put money down upfront.
Alternatively, vehicles with incorrect mileage, falsified information, or incorrectly advertised specs are known to draw potential purchasers in, too. Be wary of paying for something you haven’t verified. Most stolen cars have few details available.
On the flip side of the coin, should you be selling a car, do not hand over the keys to anyone until money has cleared in your bank account. Some fraudsters have been known to provide counterfeit proof of payments or even to fabricate new identities just to get their hands on a vehicle from a trusting seller.
How To Report Suspicious Activity
You can also officially report any suspicious activities to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) using this link: Report To The FTC Here
How To Protect Yourself More
If you want to be the first to find out the most prevalent scams every week, feel free to subscribe to our Scam Detector newsletter. You’ll receive periodic emails (usually with the Top 5 scams of the week) – we promise not to spam. Last but not least, please use the comments section below to expose other criminals.
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