Odometer Fraud
How to Protect Yourself against Odometer Fraud
Odometer Fraud is much more common than one might think. The odometer reading is an accepted method of determining both the dollar value and the condition of a motor vehicle. The reason there is so much odometer fraud is because the value of the vehicle goes up if the mileage is low. After a vehicle has been driven for a while, certain systems need routine repairs and safety inspections. If the odometer is rolled back, mechanical problems which could affect safety may go unchecked and un-repaired. Because the odometer reading is relied on so heavily, both state and Federal law make it illegal to, in any way, tamper with the odometer.

Tips For Consumers to avoid odometer fraud.
  • Disconnecting an odometer, turning back an odometer, and driving with a disconnected or nonfunctional odometer is considered to be odometer fraud.
  • It may be a violation of law for anyone to sell a vehicle without providing a written statement of the actual mileage at the time of transfer.
    Most states have a place on the title which shows the odometer reading at the time the vehicle was transferred. Unless the odometer has rolled over 100,000 miles, the reading on the title should be lower than the current reading on the vehicle.
  • If you know your odometer reading is incorrect, you just disclose it and it will not be considered to be odometer fraud.

Verifying the odometer reading

  • Look for service records, oil stickers, or warranty cards which may reflect the mileage of the vehicle.
  • Ask to see the odometer statement which the seller received when he bought the vehicle for comparison.
  • If buying from a dealer, if possible contact the previous owner to verify the mileage and condition of the vehicle.

I was a victim of odometer fraud myself, In my situation the ford dealer had the previous owner fill out a blank odometer statement and then filled in the numbers later after he went home. Depending on your state, you might can obtain the previous owner's name by visiting  the Division of Motor Vehicle's office and providing them with the vehicle identification number (VIN) which is visible through the front windshield on the driver's side of the vehicle.

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