I worked in the parts department at a ford dealership, I quit about a year ago. when I was there, there were only a few people with passwords to the key "databass" to get key codes, it was done by vin, and by law we had to have 3 pieces of I.D. and proof of ownership of the vehicle. we then filled out a big form, and the person purchasing the key did as well, we made copies of all the credentials, and only then were we allowed to get the key information from ford motor company. THEN all the credentials and key info are stored on file, and ford has a record of every VIN used to get a key made, which dealership and employee at the dealership did that particular key. so its far from walking into a dealership saying heres the vin, cut me a key. if this guy had the "hookup" and had someone illegally cut him a key that was used in an auto theft, that dude at the dealership is in deep shit. and EVEN then, as mentioned, without having the key programmed, its essentially a $125.00 key chain. sure it will unlock the door manually, but wont start the vehicle. it will turn the ignition and unlock the column, enabling a car to be towed and stolen, but I have no idea how they could have started it without a programmed key.