Car Thieves Known as the 'Kia Boys' Are Stealing Cars With USB Sticks

Daniel Bonfiglio Published 08/13/2023 in wow

If you drive a Kia or a Hyundai, a TikTok trend called the “Kia Challenge” says your car can be stolen in 30 seconds using just a screwdriver and a USB cord.

It sounds too crazy to be true, but a group of youths who call themselves the Kia Boys are flexing their grand theft auto talents. So is this trend real, or is it just for clout?

@emilynoriega10
My Hyundai Tucson Senada was stolen today or maybe last night if anybody could keep an eye out for it it has Chacon license plates
♬ original sound - Emily noriega

@cantycars Don't buy Kia or Hyundai @Kia Community ✔️ #DealerKiller #cc #CantyCars #Brakes #atlroadsideassistance #AutoRepair #roadside #roadsideatl #BESTMECHANIC #MobileMechanic #AtlMobileMechanic #AtlantaMobileMechanic #DecaturMechanic #StoneMountainMechanic #LithoniaMechanic #JonesboroMechanic #BuckheadMechanic #CollegeParkMechanic #LithiaSpringsMechanic #ConyersMechanic #TuckerMechanic #Mechanic #viral #atlanta #atl #foryou #foryourpage #fyp #fouyoupage #f #v #u ♬ fukumean - Gunna

According to the trend, if your car is a 2015 - 2019 model that uses a physical key, you’re at risk. It works by stripping off the under-column cowl and using a USB cord to turn the ignition over. Somehow, the USB cord is enough to trick the system into believing a real key has been inserted.

Unfortunately, the trend is most definitely real and has led to dozens of crashes, and at least eight deaths as car criminals, often minors, take their stolen property for quick joyrides.

@ufdtech
They're finally doing the right thing.
♬ original sound - UFD Tech

Originally charging up to $500 to fix the issue, Kia and Hyundai finally announced a free software solution to the issue last year. Of course, a good old-fashioned steering wheel lock works too.

Who knew anyone would ever want to clout chase in a Kia?