Car owners warned about a new TikTok trend that teaches people how to steal cars
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There’s never a dull day on the internet. People, who may have way too much time on their hands, always come up with odd challenges that have no in between – they can either be quite amusing or incredibly dangerous.
With the latest mortifying trend making rounds online, you’ll be wishing the youngsters stuck to eating tide pods and getting soaked with a bucket of ice.
Car owners across the globe have been warned about a new, alarming challenge on TikTok that shows how cars can be stolen with a common USB cable. The particular vehicles affected include Kia models from the years 2011 to 2021 and Hyundai models from 2015 to 2021.
The Kia challenge took off when an American TikTok user, @robbierayyy, shared a video of himself starting up a Kia.
The trend caused a barrage of car theft cases. Source: Computer Forensics Experts
'You don't need a key… The cable should override it.’ he can be heard saying in the clip.
‘Everyone in Japan, Australia, or the middle of Antarctica that owns a Kia, please be safe,' he urged.
Unfortunately, the video has since been removed after some Australian criminals picked up the trick and used it to steal vehicles. Two Kias were recently stolen by the alleged thieves at Brisbane.
‘It represents a lot of cars and it’s going to affect a lot of people,’ Tech Expert, Val Quinn stated in an interview.
‘What you’ll see from the TikTok video is you have to remove the steering column by ripping it off and then use a USB cable to fiddle with the ignition underneath that to start it up. It’s the right fit for a certain part of that ignition, that’s how it works.’ she continued.
The online challenge has largely affected unlocked vehicles across the US, including Wisconsin, Ohio, Florida, and Texas.
Kia and Hyundai cars were targeted. Source: KOAM
Although the car manufacturers confirmed that they were aware of the issue, they failed to provide any solutions to protect car owners.
‘I read the statements from Kia and Hyundai. They basically said “We’re aware of it... But if you have any questions, contact us.” so they are not really offering any solutions at all, which is pretty concerning.’ Quinn added.
However, Quinn revealed that there is a quick fix to bumping up your car’s security.
‘The real key is, if your car has an immobiliser, then it won’t work,’ Quinn advised.
‘Cars that were rolled out earlier don’t come with immobilisers as standard but you can get an aftermarket immobiliser if you are really concerned.’
What are your thoughts on this shocking TikTok challenge? Should the original poster face repercussions for posting the tip? Let us know in the comments below!
With the latest mortifying trend making rounds online, you’ll be wishing the youngsters stuck to eating tide pods and getting soaked with a bucket of ice.
Car owners across the globe have been warned about a new, alarming challenge on TikTok that shows how cars can be stolen with a common USB cable. The particular vehicles affected include Kia models from the years 2011 to 2021 and Hyundai models from 2015 to 2021.
The Kia challenge took off when an American TikTok user, @robbierayyy, shared a video of himself starting up a Kia.
The trend caused a barrage of car theft cases. Source: Computer Forensics Experts
'You don't need a key… The cable should override it.’ he can be heard saying in the clip.
‘Everyone in Japan, Australia, or the middle of Antarctica that owns a Kia, please be safe,' he urged.
Unfortunately, the video has since been removed after some Australian criminals picked up the trick and used it to steal vehicles. Two Kias were recently stolen by the alleged thieves at Brisbane.
‘It represents a lot of cars and it’s going to affect a lot of people,’ Tech Expert, Val Quinn stated in an interview.
‘What you’ll see from the TikTok video is you have to remove the steering column by ripping it off and then use a USB cable to fiddle with the ignition underneath that to start it up. It’s the right fit for a certain part of that ignition, that’s how it works.’ she continued.
The online challenge has largely affected unlocked vehicles across the US, including Wisconsin, Ohio, Florida, and Texas.
Kia and Hyundai cars were targeted. Source: KOAM
Although the car manufacturers confirmed that they were aware of the issue, they failed to provide any solutions to protect car owners.
‘I read the statements from Kia and Hyundai. They basically said “We’re aware of it... But if you have any questions, contact us.” so they are not really offering any solutions at all, which is pretty concerning.’ Quinn added.
However, Quinn revealed that there is a quick fix to bumping up your car’s security.
‘The real key is, if your car has an immobiliser, then it won’t work,’ Quinn advised.
‘Cars that were rolled out earlier don’t come with immobilisers as standard but you can get an aftermarket immobiliser if you are really concerned.’
What are your thoughts on this shocking TikTok challenge? Should the original poster face repercussions for posting the tip? Let us know in the comments below!
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