Community Chat

[Kachina624]

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.

[Jk9]

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

[Desertdi]

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

[Annabellethecat66]

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.

[amyb]

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!

[Jacie]

Thanks @Kachina624 !

I had no idea! Technology is getting scarier everyday.

[chrystaltree]

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.  

[Cakers3]

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.

[Love my grandkids]

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

[chrystaltree]

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.