Author: Danielle Antosz

A scammer pretending to be a construction vendor tricked the Citrus County School Board in Inverness, Florida, into sending more than $800,000 to the wrong bank account. The fraud wasn’t discovered until the real vendor called to say they hadn’t received their payment.

According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, $846,864.86 was intended for a trusted vendor who was working on a construction project for the school district. However, the money was wired to a fraudster’s account after they sent a fake—but convincing—email that resembled the vendor’s usual messages.

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“This was an email from someone pretending to be the vendor that looked exactly like what the vendor would’ve sent,” said Dr. Scott Hebert, Superintendent of Schools, in an interview with WFLA.

How the scam worked

According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the fraudster copied the vendor’s email address and made it look nearly identical to the real one. They also included a fake bank account number for payment. The scam worked because the email was so well-crafted that it didn’t raise immediate red flags.

“A malicious actor will come in and change one or two characteristics of a URL address or an email link—something that doesn’t totally appear correct,” said Detective Cutlip with the CCSO High-Tech Crimes Unit. “At first glance, if you’re having correspondence, you wouldn’t pick up all those changes.”

Once school officials realized what had happened, they immediately contacted law enforcement. The sheriff’s office worked with the U.S. Secret Service to track the money, which had already been split between two bank accounts outside of Florida.

Thanks to that quick response, investigators were able to freeze and recover about 92% of the funds—roughly $779,600. More than $67,000 was still missing, and the investigation remains ongoing.

In the wake of the scam, the Citrus County School District is implementing new safety measures. Dr. Hebert said all district employees are getting extra cybersecurity training, and new protocols are being developed to help staff detect and respond to cyber threats in the future.

“Disciplinary action will occur,” Hebert told WFLA. “Those folks that were involved… will be held accountable for not following any of the procedures that we had in place.”

Depending on the findings of an internal investigation, that discipline could range from further training to suspension or termination.

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How to protect yourself or your business from phishing scams

This type of scam, often called business email compromise or phishing, is becoming increasingly common. To avoid falling victim to these scams, here are a few steps you can take:

Double-check email addresses

Scammers often change just one character in an email to make it look real. For example, "gadams[at]adamsconstruction.com" might become "gadams[at]adamsconstructi0n.com."

Verify payment information before you hit ‘send’

If a vendor emails new bank details or says their payment info has changed, call them using a known phone number—not one listed in the email—to confirm.

Be cautious about any last-minute changes

If someone suddenly requests changes to a scheduled payment, closing date, or account number, take extra steps to verify that the changes are legitimate. It’s always better to take a few extra minutes to verify then to fall victim to a scam.

Train your team

Make sure everyone who handles money or emails with vendors knows what phishing scams look like and how to report them. This includes following the steps listed here and knowing not to click on links or download files from unknown sources.

Contact law enforcement immediately if you suspect fraud

One reason the school board was able to get most of the money back was because they reported the scam right away. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering lost funds.

As this case shows, even experienced professionals can fall for a scam when the attack is sophisticated. But by staying alert and putting clear procedures in place, businesses and individuals can better protect themselves from financial fraud.

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Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Edison Woods Park is tucked away in a quiet residential pocket of Edison Township, New Jersey. It’s so quiet that many locals don’t even know it’s there, and residents who live around the park say that’s exactly why they love it.

“It’s our little slice of heaven,” one neighbor told NBC 4.

Now, residents are worried that could soon change. The township plans to revitalize the park by adding a new pickleball court, a relocated basketball court, building a tennis court and installing new walkways — and residents are pushing back hard.

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Neighbors concerned about park upgrades

The township is looking to update 32 parks across Edison, including this small neighborhood green space. Edison Woods Park recently got a new jungle gym, which neighbors told News 4 they were happy about. But more ambitious upgrades are planned, and residents are concerned say it could disrupt their quiet way of life.

The park has no internal parking lot, so visitors must park on nearby residential streets and walk in. That’s part of what worries residents most.

“I’m most concerned about the privacy, the flooding and the parking,” Bonnie Lefrak said to NBC News 4 New York, who lives next to the park.

Neighbors also say the area isn’t built to handle an influx of people, pointing to increased traffic, safety risks and noise as additional concerns.

“This is a residential area,” said neighbor Fred Dellapitro. “They have parks that are three times the size of this. Why don’t they enhance those instead?”

Residents aren’t opposed to improvements, but say they want more transparency and input. Several neighbors told NBC 4 they didn’t even know about the project until recently and feel blindsided by the proposed changes.

“They’re just looking into trying to revitalize the area,” one resident said. “But to us, you’re going to be bringing in additional people that you know may not have known of our little slice of heaven.”

Neighbors say the township should have asked for their input earlier, and they want a say in what happens next.

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How to make your voice heard against local townships

News 4 reports that no plans have been finalized yet by Eddison officials. The proposed court installations are part of a larger effort to revamp recreational spaces across the township, and feedback is still being gathered.

If you’re facing a similar situation in your neighborhood, here are a few ways to get involved before changes are made:

• Show up and speak out: Attend planning board or township council meetings. These meetings are often open to the public and include comment periods, during which residents can voice concerns or ask for changes.
• Start a petition or neighborhood group: A single complaint is easy to ignore, but dozens of signatures or a formal group can get attention. Consider gathering support and presenting a unified message.
• Request project details: Use tools like public records requests to see project proposals, traffic studies, or budget allocations. The more informed you are, the better your argument will be.
• Talk to local leaders: Contact your ward councilperson or township administrator. Elected officials are more likely to listen when their constituents reach out directly and respectfully.
• Use local media and social platforms: Sharing your story with local news outlets, neighborhood Facebook groups, or community forums can help bring public pressure and rally more support.
• Propose alternatives: If you’re not against improvements but want something smaller or quieter, suggest changes that preserve the park’s low-traffic character, like nature trails, benches, or limited-use courts.

Ultimately, decisions like these aren’t always set in stone, especially when communities stay organized, respectful and persistent. Whether you’re trying to protect green space or just want a say in how your neighborhood grows, speaking up can shape how your neighborhood grows.

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Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Deanna Salentino and her family were very excited to upgrade their home on Winston Court in Shoreham, New York. Instead, Salentino, her husband and their three children are now living in a camper parked in their backyard.

“It’s misery,” she told News 12. “And I thought I was supposed to be moving into my house today. It’s awful.”

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The family had big plans to create their dream home and hired Robert Cortese of Tool Time Construction to do the work. In May, they paid him $96,200 and he began tearing out walls.

Since then, the family said, no work has been done. No materials or appliances have been ordered. What’s left behind are bare studs, loose wires and missing doors and railings.

No comment from Cortese

News 12 reporters tried to speak with Cortese, but he offered little explanation.

“They say you took $96,000 but didn’t do the work. Can you explain that?” asked reporters in a visit to Cortese’s home.

“That’s a lie,” Cortese replied. He then asked the news crew to leave and gave no further comment.

Salentino later found out that Cortese is listed on Suffolk County Consumer Affairs’ “Wall of Shame” for operating without a contractor’s license. The public registry includes contractors’ names, businesses, aliases, addresses and the reason they’re listed.

Cortese’s entry includes the Tool Time Construction Group, his addresses, and states he was first listed in June of 2023 — nearly two years before the Salentinos hired him.

[Consumer Affairs] Commissioner Wayne Rogers told Newsday that the agency does have a fund to reimburse homeowners up to $5,000 when licensed contractors do poor work. But there’s a catch — the contractor must be licensed.

"If they’re not licensed, there’s nothing we can do," he said.

Since Cortese is unlicensed, the Salentino family is ineligible for that fund.

In the meantime, they remain in their camper while a new contractor tries to complete the home. But the family is facing new delays and higher costs as that company undoes Cortese’s work. Suffolk County police are investigating.

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How to avoid falling victim to scam contractors

Stories like the Salentino family’s are all too common — and unfortunately, legal protections can be limited, especially when unlicensed contractors are involved. Without access to the Consumer Affairs fund, the family’s only remaining option may be civil court, which is costly and time-consuming.

If you’re in a similar situation, here are some steps you can take:

• File a complaint with your local Consumer Affairs department or licensing agency.
• Document everything: Save contracts, receipts, photos and any communications with the contractor.
• Report suspected fraud to police, especially if you believe money was taken with no intent to complete the job.
• Consult with a lawyer if the financial loss is significant.
• Check for local recovery funds, which some counties or state agencies offer for licensed contractor failures.

The best protection, though, starts before you make any payments. Here’s how to safeguard yourself:

• Verify their license: In New York, contractors must be licensed through the county. Suffolk County has a searchable public registry.
• Check the “Wall of Shame” or similar databases that track unlicensed or fraudulent contractors.
• Read online reviews: Look at Google, company websites and forums. Search the business name for complaints.
• Avoid large upfront payments: Reputable contractors typically ask for a deposit, with additional payments tied to project milestones.
• Get everything in writing: A contract should include a timeline, materials list and payment schedule.

With their savings drained and their home unfinished, the Salentino family is left trying to recover emotionally and financially. As the investigation continues, they hope their story prevents another family from seeing their dream fall apart.

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Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

A special multi-agency operation took place in parts of Tennessee and Mississippi to fight a growing and costly form of fraud — one that can directly impact families in need who rely on electronic benefit transfers (EBT) to get by.

From July 8-9, the Secret Service, along with local law enforcement officers, launched a coordinated effort. They visited hundreds of businesses to search for illegal card skimmers that could potentially lead to the siphoning of government benefits before recipients use them.

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“This is an operation that is primarily based around education and outreach,” Memphis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Mark Switzer shared during a morning brief, as captured by WREG News Channel 3 cameras in a story published July 8.

In total, more than 2,200 point-of-sale (POS) terminals, 857 gas pumps and 234 ATMs were inspected across more than 486 businesses, according to the Secret Service. Four skimming devices were recovered, which the agency estimates prevented potential losses of $4.2 million.

The broadcaster accompanied agents and was present when one skimming device laid on top of a card reader’s keypad at a Memphis grocery store was retrieved and bagged as evidence.

How card skimming works

Card skimming is a type of fraud that involves installing hidden devices on ATMs, gas pumps or POS devices to steal information from card users. These devices can include keypad overlays that record a PIN and card readers that copy card data. In some cases, a small camera is used to record the transaction.

“There’s a number of [criminals] that are out there that are getting ahold of this information and then using it for their own purposes,” Switzer told WREG News Channel 3.

With this data in hand, fraudsters can clone your card and quickly drain your account. The Secret Service estimates skimming costs consumers and financial institutions over $1 billion each year.

But the stakes are often higher for EBT cardholders, who are vulnerable and rely on benefits to survive, and states may not have programs in place to replace stolen funds.

“They are literally stealing food from the mouths of children,” the Secret Service described in a news release.

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EBT cards in Tennessee are especially vulnerable because they don’t have a chip like many bank-issued cards. Magnetic stripe cards are easier to copy, making them prime targets for skimmers.

Agents of the task force are working to uncover who installed the device found in the Memphis grocery store, per the broadcaster, and they educated employees on how to better detect these devices.

Avoid falling victim to card skimming

Card skimming has become a major issue for both EBT and credit card users. The hidden devices can be hard to spot, and after the information is gathered money can be removed from an account quickly.

Here are a few tips to reduce your risk:

Check the scanner before you swipe: Before swiping or inserting your card, gently tug on the card reader and the keypad. If they feel loose or look off, don’t use that terminal.

Use visible POS machines: If you’re using a debit card, opt for bank ATMs. If you’re paying with a credit or EBT card, use the card inside or at well-lit terminals in visible locations.

Block your PIN: Use your hand to shield your PIN when you punch it in. While some scammers use keypad covers, others use pinhole cameras to record transactions.

Check your account regularly: Make sure to check your bank or EBT card account often and verify even small purchases. Keeping a record of where and when you use EBT funds can help identify suspicious transactions.

Change your PIN before benefits hit: If you have an EBT card, consider changing your PIN regularly or the day before benefits are scheduled to hit. This way, if someone has your PIN from last month, they may not have access to your new funds.

If you suspect your card has been compromised, call the customer service line immediately and have your card frozen. Report any fraud to your bank or EBT service provider. Above all, be alert. Staying vigilant is your best defense against card skimming.

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• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Charlestown police have arrested a man in southern Indiana in connection with a scam that targeted older American victims across several states.

Authorities say an older Charlestown resident was tricked into withdrawing $27,000 from his retirement accounts and handing the cash over to a man who showed up at his front door on May 5.

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The man, identified as 36-year-old Jia Hua Liu, allegedly took the money and left. Police launched an investigation and linked Liu to additional scams in Ohio, New Mexico and Tennessee. Investigators estimate the total losses from these incidents top $309,000, according to WDRB.

Liu, a Canadian citizen who entered the U.S. in April, also came close to defrauding three more older victims in Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan. Those attempts were stopped by concerned family members, potentially preventing another $70,000 in losses.

He was arrested on July 2 at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport while trying to leave the country. Police say they recovered a substantial amount of cash during a search of his vehicle and luggage.

Liu faces charges of theft, fraud, conspiracy and money laundering. The investigation is ongoing. His arrest highlights just how scammers targeting older adults use increasingly sophisticated tactics. As these schemes become more common, understanding how they work can hlp protect you or someone you love from becoming the next victim.

How the scams work

In 2023, people over the age of 60 lost more than $3.4 billion to fraud. Older adults are often targeted in financial scams for several reasons. According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), seniors are more likely to have retirement savings or home equity, may live alone and tend to be more trusting of strangers. Cognitive decline can also make it harder to detect a scam.

Some of the most common scams targeting seniors include:

• Government impersonation scams: Scammers pose as officials from the IRS or Social Security Administration, claiming to protect your money from fraud.
• Sweepstakes and lottery scams: Victims are told they’ve won a prize but must pay a fee to collect it.
• Tech support scams: Scammers pretend to be IT workers and gain remote access to computers, then install malware or demand payment for fake repairs.
• Romance scams: Fraudsters build online relationships to gain trust and then ask for money.
• Family or grandparent scams: Scammers claim to be a grandchild in trouble and ask for emergency money, often saying they’re in jail or stranded abroad.

Scammers often spend weeks or months building trust. Authorities urge seniors and their families to stay alert and avoid giving away large amounts of money.

“We all need to work together to make sure our seniors, their caregivers, families, and friends know the signs to look for that a criminal is after your money,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Michael Nordwall.

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How to protect those you love from similar scams

Scammers count on fear and urgency. Whether they claim your bank account has been hacked or pretend to be a loved one, the goal is always to get money fast before you’ve had time to think it through.

Red flags to watch out for include:

• Requests to withdraw large sums of cash or gift cards
• A stranger or “courier” coming to your home to collect money
• Pressure to act quickly and keep the situation secret
• Caller ID showing a government agency or bank
• Anyone telling you not to talk to family or friends

"Anytime anyone calls you or asks you to call them on the phone and they want you to withdraw large sums of money, that’s probably not legitimate," said Charlestown Police Detective Jason Broady. "There is probably some sort of scam going on."

If you’re a caregiver for an older loved one, here’s how you can help:

• Talk openly about common scams and how they work
• Encourage them to call you before making unusual financial decisions
• Set up transaction alerts on their bank accounts
• Help screen their calls or block unknown numbers.
• Remind them that no government agency accepts cash, gift cards or cryptocurrency

Charlestown Police believe there may be more victims who haven’t yet come forward.

If you live in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Georgia, Alabama or Tennessee and suspect a similar scam has targeted you or a loved one, contact local law enforcement or call the Charlestown Police Department’s anonymous tip line at 812-256-2473.

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Marcia and Carlton Lee’s month‑long property nightmare on Chicago’s South Side is finally over.

The couple have reclaimed their vacant house — one they’re trying to sell — after police arrested and removed a stranger who moved in with her family, with paperwork to suggest she owned it.

"I knew the ID was fake," Marcia told ABC 7 Chicago. “I knew the documentation was fake. I’m just super excited that they finally got her out."

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• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

The woman in question — Shermaine Powell‑Gillard — now faces a stack of felony and misdemeanor charges.

The Lees have to clean up a mess of trash and some minor damage in the home before they put it back on the market, but they’re just grateful to have it back.

"It brings peace to my household," Carlton said. "That’s what I need."

Why it took four weeks for the stranger to vacate

The Lees’ trouble began in early April, when they arrived at the vacant property to show it to a realtor and prospective buyer and discovered a woman who introduced herself as “Stacy” living inside.

She presented mortgage documents and photo ID that, at first glance, appeared legitimate. Officers called to the scene treated the confrontation as a civil dispute and said they lacked the authority to remove her.

Illinois law requires property owners to evict squatters under the Forcible Entry and Detainer Act, a process that can drag on for months.

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Frustrated by the situation, the Lees approached ABC7 for help. Marcia noted that on the supposed mortgage documents the woman presented, the property PIN matched a different home.

Following media coverage, police revisited the evidence and concluded the ID and mortgage file were indeed fakes.

Officers escorted Powell‑Gillard out of the home and charged her with forgery, burglary, obstructing identification, and criminal trespass. She has since been released and is awaiting her trial.

The Lees have boarded up every window and door of their vacant home to make sure they don’t have to deal with a repeat of the situation.

Meanwhile, Illinois state representative La Shawn Ford is looking to change the existing eviction legislation so owners don’t have to go through the Forceable Entry Act and go to court to evict squatters.

Under his proposed law, police could remove a squatter as soon as the legitimate homeowner can prove they own the home. The Illinois Senate has passed the bill but it awaits a House vote.

Protect your vacant property from squatters

Reports of squatting are on the rise across the United States, though it remains relatively rare.

Experts say that a tight housing market, slow civil courts, and social-media how-to guides have emboldened squatters.

Until legislation catches up, here are a few practical safeguards to protect your own vacant property:

Get surveillance cameras

Install cameras in secure, difficult-to-reach places. If a squatter claims a legal right to the home, footage can prove they broke in and move the case from civil to criminal court.

Ask neighbors to keep an eye out

Talk to your neighbors and let them know the home is vacant. Ask them to call or text you if they see anyone at the house so you can take action quickly.

Remove or replace lock boxes

If you’re using a lock box for realtor access, make sure it has a hard-to-guess code. For example, don’t use 1234 or the street number. Consider installing a keypad lock, which can have longer codes, or leaving the key with a property manager instead.

Consider the pros and cons of for-sale signs

While signs can help sell or rent your home, they also let squatters know a house is empty. If you’re worried about squatters, consider sticking to online listings.

And if squatters do move in? Get the police involved and turn over as much information as possible. Don’t take matters into your own hands — you could wind up with legal trouble of your own.

Hopefully, legal reforms will give homeowners across the U.S. more power to remove squatters. Until then, preventive measures remain your first and best line of defense.

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Posiey Brown of Norristown, Pennsylvania, was floored when she opened her PECO energy bill in April — totaling $11,723.93 in charges.

“There’s no way,” she recalled thinking to CBS News Philadelphia in a story published May 30. It was the first utility bill she had seen in months, and the amount was much higher than anticipated.

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• Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now

Brown says she called PECO after not receiving a statement in August and was told the company had trouble accessing her bill. She continued to seek answers and tried to make partial payments in the meantime, but felt her concerns weren’t being taken seriously.

As it turns out, Brown wasn’t the only PECO customer to experience billing problems.

Bizarre billing errors

Ann Palladino of Whitemarsh Township also reached out to CBS News Philadelphia about her PECO billing problems, and says she’d gone nearly a year without receiving a bill.

“My daughter told me to contact you because she was tired of me complaining about it,” Palladino told the local broadcaster. “For people who are used to having their bills fully paid and on time, it’s disconcerting”

PECO confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia that up to 8,000 customers have been impacted by billing glitches since last year after the utility company transitioned to a new billing system. PECO admitted it has not been able to explain why certain accounts were affected, but says it has taken steps to fix the problem, including hiring more staff and setting up an email address dedicated to billing complaints.

“Many of these issues have been resolved, and we continue working daily to address remaining concerns,” a company spokesperson told the broadcaster.

Even so, frustration had reached a fever pitch. The Southeast Delegation of Pennsylvania House Democrats sent an open letter to PECO accusing the utility of not acting quickly enough to solve these problems.

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CBS News Philadelphia reports, after it got involved, that PECO determined Brown’s shocking balance was caused by a meter programming error that calculated her usage incorrectly. The company corrected her bill and waived late fees, reducing the total balance to around $900. Brown is now on a payment plan. Palladino told the broadcaster she started receiving statements for previous months, but her bills were not yet current.

Brown says PECO should have been more proactive and forthcoming about its billing problems.

“They should’ve notified the customers they were having a billing issue,” she said.

How to navigate billing issues

If you’re a PECO customer — or dealing with a billing error from any utility — here are steps to protect yourself:

Document everything: Save your bills, note when they stop arriving or if you feel there’s a major error, and keep a log of your payment history and any communication with the utility company. Write down the time and what you discussed in phone calls, and try to reach out by email so there’s a paper trail.

Contact the utility right away: For PECO customers, use the dedicated email ([email protected]) and ask for a written explanation. Make sure to document any attempts at communication, whether you reach someone or not.

File a complaint: If you’re not getting a resolution, file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or your state’s equivalent.

Contact your local representative: Sometimes outside pressure makes a difference. Your county commissioner, mayor or other lawmakers may be able to help. Local media might also be interested in telling your story.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

An investigation into stolen pickup truck tailgates has uncovered a deeper, more alarming trend in Houston: thieves are using high-tech tools to clone key fobs and drive away with vehicles in under eight minutes.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, victims whose tailgates were stolen worked together to track down the suspects by searching social media posts, passing that information along to local authorities. When deputies intercepted the suspects, they discovered more than just stolen tailgates.

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KHOU 11 reported that officers found a stash of blank key fobs and a key programming device — evidence of a growing problem with high-tech car theft in the area. Officials are warning vehicle owners to take additional precautions as key fob-related car thefts rise both in Texas and across the country.

"Eight minutes tops. Five minutes. We’ve seen the fastest and they’re gone," Harris County sergeant Eduardo Rivera told KHOU 11.

As thefts rise, authorities are providing tips to residents on how to help safeguard their vehicles. Here’s the rundown and what you can do to help avoid getting bumrushed.

How thieves can use key fobs to steal your car

The investigation into the stolen tailgates started when victims noticed their parts being listed online. After organizing with law enforcement, they confronted the suspects, Lieutenant John Gonzalez of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office auto theft unit told KHOU 11.

“There’s a big aftermarket for truck parts, especially for Ford and GM models,” Gonzalez said.

Thieves access a vehicle’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) port, usually located under the dashboard. Using a specialized programmer, they create a new key fob that lets them unlock, start and drive away with the car — sometimes in five minutes.

Another technique called "relay theft" targets keyless entry vehicles. Criminals use electronic devices to capture the signal from a key fob inside a home, transmit it to a receiver near the car and trick the vehicle into starting.

Thefts like these are big business. Tailgates alone can fetch up to $10,000 on the aftermarket, and stolen cars are often sold at steep discounts through online marketplaces, luring unsuspecting buyers.

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How to protect your vehicle from key fob theft

Vehicle theft is on the rise in Texas, and authorities are urging drivers to take extra precautions. Even though car thefts have declined at the national level, with 850,708 cars stolen in 2024 and 1,020,729 in 2023, as per the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), that doesn’t mean thieves aren’t getting more creative.

To protect your vehicle:

• Lock your tailgate and vehicle doors: This simple step can protect your tailgate and limit theft.
• Use OBD port protection: Devices that block access to the OBD port can prevent cloning.
• Store key fobs in a Faraday bag: These pouches block the signal from your fob, stopping thieves from capturing it.
• Install a steering wheel lock or aftermarket alarm: Old-school mechanical locks are highly effective deterrents.
• Park in a secure garage: When possible, keep your vehicle out of sight and out of reach.
• Turn off your fob’s wireless signal: Some newer fobs allow you to disable the signal when not in use—check your owner’s manual.
• Upgrade your home security: Motion detectors and cameras can add an extra layer of protection.
• Install a car camera: Adding a dashboard or rear camera can help deter thieves and provide police with important evidence.
• Add an AirTag or other GPS device: This can help you track your stolen car. But be sure to tell police; don’t try to recover the car yourself.

As high-tech theft methods continue to evolve, staying vigilant and taking preventive measures can make a crucial difference in keeping your vehicle safe. Even with the best precautions, theft can still happen.

If your vehicle is stolen, contact the police immediately to file a report. Then, if the car is financed, contact your car insurance company and lender. They can help you with the next steps.

What to read next

• Financial aid only funds about 27% of US college expenses — but savvy parents are using this 3-minute move to cover 100% of those costs
• Here are the 6 levels of wealth for retirement-age Americans — are you near the top or bottom of the pyramid?
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
• How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you’ll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement

Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.