topic Re: Protect Your Keys in Community Chat

Protect Your Keys

Kachina624 — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 17:56:30 GMT

Somebody posted this on our NextDoor app yesterday. I was not aware that a key could be made from a photo. I typically hang mine from the hardware on the outside of my bag which is probably a practice I should discontinue.

Just a head’s up that a house or car key can be easily made by these online companies just by using a photo of a key. Make sure you keep your keys hidden, especially if you are on a date, meeting a not so friendly acquaintance, or simply at a restaurant or in public. Technology has gotten more advanced for potential thieves/perpetrators.

Re: Protect Your Keys

Jk9 — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:07:19 GMT

Oh geez...But doesn't surprise me.

Re: Protect Your Keys

Desertdi — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:08:31 GMT

@Kachina624 Uh oh! I have always carried my keys in my fist...like a "form" of brass knuckles...

Re: Protect Your Keys

Annabellethecat66 — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:11:19 GMT

Well one good thing about my car is my key stays in my purse. I don't need it to drive or get in my car as long as it's nearby.

I park in my garage and I have a remote that gets me in. From the garage to the house, it's a cypher lock.

You know, I always wonder why these people who come up with ways to steal and cheat others don't spend their time on ways to MAKE money.

I guess they are lazy. My grandson has

Again, thanks for the information.

Re: Protect Your Keys

amyb — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:15:29 GMT

Thanks for sharing @Kachina624

I used to sometimes hook mine to the outside of my bag or belt loop. Not lately, and won't anymore. It used to be too bulky and get in my way anyway.

I thought to myself...wow, how many endless ways for people to just be ripped off, fooled, used and abused these days, right?

I think of older people, confused by phone calls from supposed IRS, Warranty things and such. Ugh. I realize a lot of our generation get it, but when my elderly mom was alive and living in her home, she sometimes treated "junk calls" like she had to "explain to them" why she couldn't "give to their cause." She later wised up and I gave her heads-up on things. But what about poor people with dementia issues etc.

Cyber cr&p

Credit card fraud.

on and on and on..

Not enough legal, legitimate, purposeful, lucrative, decent paths for people to follow for success, money?

Rant over. I digress...but, it's immediately where my mind went when reading your post was....another day, another fraud. 😏 I swear the brain space we need to use up for all our defense against things!

Re: Protect Your Keys

Jacie — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:13:32 GMT

Thanks @Kachina624 !

I had no idea! Technology is getting scarier everyday.

Re: Protect Your Keys

chrystaltree — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:34:32 GMT

Locksmiths here will only make a key from the physical key and if a key says "not to be copied" on the key, no locksmith will make a copy. I found that out when I tried to get a copy of the key to our storage locket here at our Condo. We have keyless smart locks for the front door and our condos but when we did have keys, we couldn't have copies made. The condo association provided spare keys for $75. I do recall reading somewhere that thieves can make keys from a good photo photo of a key if they have the necessary software and key making equipment. I think that would only apply to professional thieves who break into million dollar luxury homes. I honestly don't why anyone would dangle off their handbag.

Re: Protect Your Keys

Cakers3 — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:46:18 GMT

The issue is people posting holding up keys to their new home/condo/apt. etc. and posting on social media.

I keep my keys inside my purse but from what I read one company could only capture a picture in RL with a camera set at 200 ft. away.

I'm not sure if everyone is at risk in RL but it wouldn't hurt to keep your keys out of sight and off social media.

Re: Protect Your Keys

Love my grandkids — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:47:10 GMT

Never thought about that as I have always kept my keys in my purse.

Re: Protect Your Keys

chrystaltree — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 18:56:20 GMT

When people post keys on social media, they don't include the addresses to those homes and there's not enough detail for anyone. even with required software, to make a key. It's people who are careless with their keys who are at risk. My sister has a bad habit of giving her homemaker her keys when the homemaker runs errands or goes to the lobby to pickup her packages. We've told her to just buzz the homemaker in if she leaves her apartment. In this day and age, it doesn't pay to be too trusting.

Re: Protect Your Keys

KingstonsMom — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 19:04:15 GMT

@Desertdi wrote:
@Kachina624 Uh oh! I have always carried my keys in my fist...like a "form" of brass knuckles...

@Desertdi

I do too, but in my case I have a 'cat' keychain in my fist, notice the ears.....go for the face or any part of the body you can reach.

Re: Protect Your Keys

shoptilyadropagain — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 19:08:40 GMT

I'm not surprised. I'm obsessed with my keys for some reason so I've always kept them inside my purse. I was always afraid the key chain would break off or could be taken off by a pickpocketer type person. My purse could always be taken from me but I figure my chances of losing my key/getting stolen are less if they're kept in the purse.

Re: Protect Your Keys

patbz — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 19:15:16 GMT

I worry about losing a smart key fob; those suckers cost several hundred dollars to replace.

Re: Protect Your Keys

KingstonsMom — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 19:24:36 GMT

@shoptilyadropagain wrote:
I'm not surprised. I'm obsessed with my keys for some reason so I've always kept them inside my purse. I was always afraid the key chain would break off or could be taken off by a pickpocketer type person. My purse could always be taken from me but I figure my chances of losing my key/getting stolen are less if they're kept in the purse.

With my keys in my hand, even if they snatch my purse, I still have my keys in my hand with a wicked kitty weapon attached.

Re: Protect Your Keys

ALRATIBA — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 19:26:44 GMT

We have electronic building access cards and individual keys for our apartments, laundry, etc. etc. Buildings are very secure.

They are all on a lanyard - and usually around my neck and inside my shirt if' I'm out shopping. Otherwise - attached inside my bag. Never exposed.

Re: Protect Your Keys

hckynutjohn — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 19:49:07 GMT

@Desertdi wrote:
@Kachina624 Uh oh! I have always carried my keys in my fist...like a "form" of brass knuckles...

@Desertdi

A good idea. Keep you keys out of sight, and as a "just in case" protection, since you mentioned brass knuckles. Make sure you have at least 1 or 2 keys squeezed tight between your fingers. Aim for the eyes!

hckynut 🇺🇸

Re: Protect Your Keys

RollTide2008 — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 20:04:59 GMT

I don’t even have an actual key on my key ring. My house, car, and office all have an electronic fob.

Re: Protect Your Keys

Bhvbum — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 22:38:21 GMT

It's much easier to simply pick a lock than it is to try and get a picture of the key and then get a locksmith to agree to make a duplicate from it. (they don't want to be a party to a crime either.)

Quote from Locksmith: "it's not as straight forward as it seems. For a simple padlock it could work as their mechanisms are more simple and “lose”. For other types of locks you may find it more difficult, or even impossible. Every key has it’s own engraved shape cut, all through the side of the key to fit a similar shaped hole in the lock. If you don't manage to cut the exact same shape all along the side of the key, It just won't go all the way in. And even if it does it needs to be a pretty accurate cut for it to work.

There are different types of locks with key shapes that would be impossible to replicate by a DIY. And anyhow there are much simpler ways to open a lock making a key from a photo . "

Re: Protect Your Keys

DJP — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 22:52:19 GMT

@patbz wrote:
I worry about losing a smart key fob; those suckers cost several hundred dollars to replace.

I just lost my spare key fob that I kept in my purse. I don't always close all the zippers. Now I have to get a spare at the dealership that will cost over $300.00.

Re: Protect Your Keys

Sage04 — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 23:36:02 GMT

My keys are always kept in my pocket. Pants, skirt or dress all have pockets.

One question, how would anyone know the lock that fits those keys that's made from a photo? Are they following me home? Then they'll have a problem.