In a startling discovery, YouTuber Anthony Do, known for his videos on Toyota GR Corolla cars, uncovered a GPS tracker installed in his vehicle without his consent. According to his videos on his channel, Anthony shared how he stumbled upon this invasive device and the subsequent interactions with the dealership that installed it.
A Dead Battery
In his first video, Anthony explains how he hadn’t driven his Toyota GR Corolla for almost a month. When he finally attempted to start the car, he found the battery dead. This was puzzling since the car had been idle for only a few weeks, and it used an anti-gravity battery, which shouldn’t drain so quickly.
GPS Tracker Discovery
As Anthony investigated, he came across a post by Graham from Boosted and Limit Plus One, who tunes GR Corollas. Graham mentioned difficulties in tuning some cars due to aftermarket GPS trackers piggybacked into the OBD2 port. This prompted Anthony to check his own vehicle, leading to the shocking discovery of an unauthorized GPS tracker.
Confronting the Dealership
The story took another turn when Anthony confronted the dealership. In his follow-up video, Anthony details his visit to the dealership and the evasive responses he received. Initially, the dealership denied installing any GPS tracker. However, upon being shown the video evidence and the actual device, the dealership claimed the tracker was for keeping tabs on the car while it was on their lot.
Inconsistent Stories
This explanation did not sit well with Anthony, who pointed out the car was under his possession and questioned why the tracker was still active. The dealership’s inconsistent stories only deepened his suspicions.
Legal and Privacy Concerns
Anthony’s lawyer advised him to withhold certain details to avoid potential defamation issues, but the key points were clear. The dealership’s actions raised serious legal and privacy concerns. Installing a GPS tracker without informing the car owner is a breach of trust and potentially illegal. It underscores the importance of reviewing purchase agreements and being vigilant about any unauthorized modifications to one’s vehicle.
Not an Isolated Case
This incident is not an isolated case. Other GR Corolla owners reported similar issues, especially when trying to tune their cars. The interference caused by these unauthorized devices affects the performance and customization of the vehicles, highlighting a broader problem within the auto industry.
Transparency and Accountability
Anthony’s experience sheds light on the need for transparency and accountability from car dealerships. Consumers have the right to know if their vehicles are being monitored and for what purpose. The unauthorized installation of tracking devices without explicit consent is a significant violation of privacy.
Moving Forward
Anthony’s experience is a cautionary tale for car owners everywhere. It emphasizes the importance of thoroughly inspecting new vehicles and questioning any irregularities. For those who discover similar devices, it is crucial to document the findings and seek legal advice if necessary.
“Didn’t Sign Up for Any Tracking Devices”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “Oh for everyone saying ‘you financed the car’. I bought my car cash brand NEW and didn’t sign up for any tracking services. And I still found one under my dash hooked up to my OBD II port. Light was still one so it clearly wasn’t deactivated.”
Another commenter said: “That dealership is lucky that nobody’s brought one of their GPS trackers back to them and physically inserted it into the service manager.”
One person simply concluded: “This is why i like old cars with no software.”
Navigating the Fallout
As Anthony continues to navigate the fallout from this discovery, his transparency and willingness to share his experience have empowered other car owners to take a closer look at their vehicles. This incident may prompt more rigorous oversight and regulation in the auto industry to protect consumer rights.
Better Protection from Unauthorized Modifications
What are your thoughts? How can consumers better protect themselves from unauthorized modifications or installations on their vehicles by dealerships? What are the broader implications of dealerships installing tracking devices without customer consent? How should the auto industry respond to ensure transparency and trust between dealerships and customers?
Find out more by watching the full videos on Anthony Do’s YouTube channel here and here.
