GPS trackers are widely regarded as one of the most popular anti-theft devices on the market. Yet they’re virtually useless at actually preventing theft.
Automotive cybersecurity experts at Gazer are debunking the most common myths about GPS trackers and explaining why they don’t offer real protection against car thieves.
Many of these myths are perpetuated at car dealerships in an attempt to deflect responsibility, where GPS trackers are often sold as comprehensive security solutions.
Understanding the truth can help vehicle owners make informed decisions about protecting their cars.
Myth 1: ‘GPS trackers can’t be disabled’
GPS trackers were designed to locate vehicles, not prevent theft. Thieves routinely use signal jamming devices – commonly called jammers – that block GPS frequencies and cellular connections. These portable devices are inexpensive and require no special expertise to operate.
Myth 2: ‘The GPS tracker is securely hidden; it will take time for thieves to find it’
Professional thieves know the common hiding spots for GPS trackers. Even if you are confident in the secrecy of the hiding place, it does not save the situation. Radio frequency scanners and non-linear junction detectors – widely available tools – can detect even well-hidden trackers by identifying their radio signals.
Myth 3: ‘The GPS tracker signal is available anywhere the car might be taken’
GPS signals have inherent limitations. They struggle to penetrate thick metal or concrete – which is why signals often fail in underground parking garages. After disabling a tracker, thieves typically move vehicles to garages with shielded walls that block satellite and cellular connections. Some even use Faraday cages or metal trailers designed specifically to prevent signal transmission, making tracking impossible.
Myth 4: ‘Signal blocking devices are only for professional thieves, and there are few of them’
GPS jamming devices cost as little as a few dozen dollars and are readily available online. They’ve become standard equipment even for amateur thieves. As security technology evolves, so do theft methods – making vehicles protected only by GPS trackers easy targets.
Myth 5: ‘A GPS tracker will help the insurance company investigate the crime and fully compensate for losses’
This is partially true; GPS trackers can help locate stolen vehicles – if they haven’t been disabled first. But by the time a car is recovered, it may be severely damaged, stripped for parts, or moved across international borders. Insurance companies typically pay based on depreciated value, not original purchase price, meaning owners rarely recover their full investment. And because investigations take time, simply knowing a vehicle’s location doesn’t guarantee a positive outcome.
Gazer’s cybersecurity experts emphasise: GPS trackers don’t prevent theft – they only help locate vehicles after the crime has occurred. Effective security stops thieves before they gain access.
Comprehensive cyber-defense systems use multiple layers of protection: owner authorisation radio tags, relay blockers, and verification methods like interior button combinations. While modern security systems include tracking capabilities, they also actively prevent hacking attempts – something GPS trackers cannot do.
Don’t wait until your GPS tracker goes offline or leads you to a stripped vehicle. Ask your dealership about comprehensive security systems that actually prevent theft. If a dealership manager continues pushing GPS trackers as theft prevention, consider it a red flag. Demand real protection – complex cyber-defense systems that stop thieves before they can act.
