Montana Drivers Stunned by New Way Thieves Are Getting Into Cars

You park your car in front of your favorite store or bar. Or, maybe in your very own driveway or along the road in front of our house. You hit the lock button on your key fob, hear that comforting beep, and walk away without a second thought. But what if someone could unlock your car and even drive off in it without smashing a window or triggering an alarm?

It sounds like a scene from a high-tech heist movie, but it’s a real threat known as a relay attack, and yes, it's happening across the country, including in Billings where someone on Reddit recently shared a story of it happening to them.

How the Heist Happens

Here’s how it works: One thief hangs back near your vehicle while another follows you as you head inside a store or run errands. The person tailing you carries a small device that picks up and copies the signal from your key fob, yes, even if it’s in your pocket or purse. That cloned signal gets sent to their partner near your car, who can then unlock the doors just like you would. No alarm, no broken glass, and no trace.

Why It Works

Your key fob constantly sends out a short-range RFID signal that your car is programmed to recognize. That’s what lets you unlock your doors without ever taking the fob out of your pocket. The problem? That same convenience makes it vulnerable. When a thief clones your signal, your car doesn’t know the difference between you and a hacker. That’s how they get in, and in some cases, drive off, with zero signs of forced entry.

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What Can You Do About It?

If you’re a Montanan who’s not interested in becoming the next victim, here are a few things to try. One idea is to lock your doors manually from the inside before exiting, though on many vehicles, this still doesn’t disable the key fob signal. I tried it on my own car, and unfortunately, it didn’t make a difference. Another method is to use the metal key (yes, the old-fashioned one) to manually lock your doors. For some makes and models, this might stop the key fob from continuously broadcasting.

The Faraday Fix

The most effective solution? A Faraday pouch. These signal-blocking pouches or purses keep your key fob quiet by blocking its signal completely. When your fob is inside, it can’t be cloned. You’ll have to take it out to unlock your car, but that extra step adds serious peace of mind and they're easy to find online for $10 or less.

Go Full Analog (If You’re Hardcore)

If you’re cautious, or maybe just extra fed up with modern car tech, you can remove the battery from your key fob when you're not using your vehicle. That’s the ultimate way to make sure it’s not sending out any signals. Just know it means unlocking your car manually every time, and you’ll probably be reminded how spoiled we’ve all gotten with keyless entry.

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Not All Cars Are Equally at Risk

The good news? Newer cars often come with more advanced anti-theft systems that can detect relay attacks or prevent the car from starting if the real fob isn’t inside. If you're not sure about your vehicle’s features, give your dealership a call or check the manufacturer’s website for details.