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Odometer Fraud on the Rise in Used Cars

Odometer fraud has emerged as a critical concern for consumers in the used car market, with recent data from CARFAX indicating that an estimated 2.45 million vehicles on American roads have been subjected to odometer rollbacks. This represents a staggering 14% increase over the previous year, signaling a growing trend that could cost unsuspecting buyers thousands of dollars.

According to CARFAX, odometer rollbacks occur when someone manipulates the mileage recorded on a vehicle's odometer to make it appear that the car has been driven less than it actually has. The risk has surged alongside the evolution of vehicle technology; as cars transition to digital odometers, tampering tools have become more accessible and affordable for dishonest sellers.

"As modern vehicles have transitioned from mechanical to digital systems, the prevalence of odometer fraud has regrettably increased," stated Faisal Hasan, Vice President of Data Acquisition at CARFAX. He further noted that improvements in tracking mileage have allowed CARFAX to detect discrepancies, thereby enhancing consumer protection efforts.

The financial implications for victims of this fraud are alarming. On average, vehicles with reversed odometers experience a devaluation of approximately $3,300. Buyers not only pay inflated prices for cars that have likely been driven more than indicated, but they may also face unexpected maintenance expenses and safety hazards that arise from the wear and tear not reflected on the faulty odometer reading.

The report identified states with the highest occurrences of suspected odometer rollbacks. Montana, for instance, saw an increase of 33%, while Tennessee and Arkansas followed closely at 30% and 28%, respectively. States such as Florida and New Jersey also reported significant increases of 20% and 21%.

One consumer impacted by this fraud, Seven Beverly from Valencia, CA, shared his experience:

"I needed to buy a car and negotiated the price to something within my budget. Later, I was curious about the car's history and checked the CARFAX report, which indicated a possible odometer rollback. I wish I had known this before making the purchase."

Protecting Yourself Against Odometer Fraud

To ensure that you don’t fall victim to odometer fraud, consider the following steps:
1. Research Thoroughly: Always pull a CARFAX report to review the car's history, paying close attention to title records, maintenance logs, and inspection records to verify mileage.
2. Use Online Tools: Visit CARFAX Odometer Check and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check for potential discrepancies.
3. Inspect Wear and Tear: Assess wear on the gas, brake, or clutch pedals. Uneven wear can be indicative of more mileage than what the odometer suggests.
4. Get a Professional Inspection: Always have a trusted mechanic conduct a pre-purchase inspection. They can determine if the vehicle’s condition aligns with its displayed mileage.

In conclusion, as odometer fraud continues to rise, it is essential for used car buyers to remain vigilant and informed. The stakes are too high to ignore the potential risks associated with purchasing a vehicle. By adopting proactive measures, consumers can protect themselves from this costly deception. For more information and local insights, contact CARFAX’s media relations team.

About CARFAX

CARFAX, part of SP Global Mobility, has been the leading provider of vehicle history information since 1984. With solutions like CARFAX Vehicle History Reports and CARFAX Used Car Listings, it empowers millions of consumers to make informed decisions in the automotive market.