Bluetooth warning: When you sell your car, you could be giving away private information

Bluetooth technology allows users to easily pair a phone and its contents to a car, and computers in cars store that information. But what happens if you trade-in or sale your car?

Posted 10:15 p.m. Jun 11, 2019 — Updated 10:15 p.m. Jun 11, 2019

Monica Laliberte

, WRAL executive producer/consumer reporter

RALEIGH, N.C. — Bluetooth is a convenience so many people use in their cars to store everything that's in their phone -- including contacts, accounts and GPS stops. Bluetooth technology allows users to easily pair a phone and its contents to a car, and computers in cars easily store that information.

But what happens if you trade-in or sale your car?

A viewer emailed 5 On Your Side about a used car he bought, explaining that he was "surprised to find the previous owner's phones and contact lists still programed in the car." He's not the only one reporting the issue. A customer of Avis recently filed a class action lawsuit, saying poor safeguards are in place for data security.

The Federal Trade Commission issued a warning about Bluetooth capabilities in cars, reminding owners to handle "unfinished business" by deleting sensitive information before selling in, trading or donating their ride.

As a precaution, the FTC also suggests clearing off all apps that connect to your car, because some can remotely work locks or even start your car.

The same goes for rental cars. Often, during the rush of a return, your information could be available to the next driver. The bottom line -- be sure to delete your data. Read the owner's manual if you're not sure how.

If you own the car, don't forget to also cancel or transfer subscription services such as satellite radio and mobile wi-fi hotspots before you sell. With hackers on the hunt all the time, you don't want your information getting into the wrong hands.

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