You walk up to your car after work, slide your key into the lock… and it won’t turn.
Something feels stuck.
Then you look closer — and spot it:
👉 A penny jammed in the door handle or key slot.
Your first thought?
“Is this a break-in attempt?”
It’s a scenario that’s gone viral online, with claims that thieves use pennies to jam locks so they can later return and steal your car or belongings.
But here’s the truth:
While the idea sounds clever, evidence of this being a widespread criminal tactic is extremely limited.
Let’s explore what might really be going on — and how to protect your vehicle — without jumping to conclusions.
🔍 The “Penny Trick” Myth: What People Say
The Claim:
Thieves allegedly slide a penny into the keyhole or door latch mechanism to:
- Prevent the driver from unlocking the door manually
- Force them to use the key fob (which emits a signal)
- Allow relay attacks where hackers amplify the fob’s signal to unlock and start the car
This theory ties into relay thefts of keyless entry vehicles — which are real and growing.
However, using a penny to jam the lock as part of this scheme? 👉 There’s no verified evidence this is a common or effective method used by car thieves.
🧩 So Why Is There a Penny in the Door?
