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Odometer rollback fraud is a less-visible crime with significant consequences for unsuspecting car buyers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more than 450,000 cases of odometer tampering each year in the U.S., which means about a 3.5% chance of purchasing a used car (11 years old or newer) with a rolled-back odometer. NHTSA estimates this costs consumers as much as $10 billion a year.
The appeal of this notorious activity is obvious to used car sellers; they can get more money. But the practice can devastate a car buyer who thought they were getting a vehicle with low mileage. Let’s explore odometer tampering and what it means for perpetrators and innocent consumers.
Before diving into greater detail, let’s define odometer fraud. Simply put, odometer fraud or tampering is modifying a vehicle’s odometer to display less mileage than is actually on the car. This action is done to get a higher selling price, as fewer miles “on the clock” make a car more valuable.
Odometer fraud can be committed in many ways, including manually rolling back the miles on the odometer, swapping out the odometer with a unit from another car, or using an odometer rollback tool to change the odometer reading. None of these methods are 100% perfect, but they can be enough to convince an unsuspecting buyer to purchase the vehicle.
There are three common rollback scenarios:
Odometer fraud runs afoul of federal and state laws and can subject violators to prison time and fines. At the same time, an unsuspecting buyer has a vehicle worth less and may require unexpected maintenance and repairs.
The overarching federal law that protects against odometer fraud is the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act (informally called the federal odometer act) or 49 U.S.C. § 32701 (the specific designation under the United States Code).
Specifically, the law prohibits tampering or altering an odometer in any way and knowingly selling a vehicle with a modified odometer. Car dealerships must disclose a vehicle’s actual mileage during the sale process and may not advertise a car it knows has an inaccurate mileage reading.
More than one federal enforcement agency may become involved in odometer fraud cases, including the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Transportation (through NHTSA). Broader odometer tampering instances can bring in the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Postal Inspection Service.
According to a 2014 Department of Justice summary, major odometer fraud defendants have received prison terms of up to seven years, with no possibility of parole. In comparison, 18-month to three-year prison terms are typical.
Financial penalties are significant as well. Federal regulations call for a $10,000 minimum fine that doesn’t include damage awards and attorney fees for odometer tampering, not providing correct odometer disclosure documentation, or making oral misrepresentations about a car’s odometer. The National Consumer Law Center reports that large-scale patterns of odometer fraud can lead to class action lawsuits resulting in seven-figure awards.
Many states have also enacted odometer fraud statutes that supplement federal law. While the specifics vary by state, the regulations generally prohibit odometer tampering and require mileage disclosure by the selling dealer.
While an expert might be needed to spot odometer fraud, a careful inspection of the vehicle and a thorough document review can reveal problems at an early stage. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
For instance, excessive wear on the pedals and steering wheel could hint this car has seen more use than the odometer tells. The same goes for worn-down switches and knobs. Similarly, a mechanic can look in the engine compartment and at the undercarriage for additional findings.
A Note About Odometer Type: Just as computers are subject to hacking, so are digital odometers. These electronic mileage trackers are just as vulnerable to rollback fraud as mechanical odometers.
Used vehicles with incorrect odometers set the stage for poor maintenance and create the opportunity for expensive repairs and safety hazards.
An extended warranty, also known as an auto protection plan or a vehicle service contract, is a valuable tool for car owners seeking safeguards against breakdowns and surprise repair bills. But odometer fraud has far-reaching implications when it comes to extended warranty coverage.
Specifically, warranty companies like Endurance require that mileage information be accurate and truthful. Therefore, a car with a rolled-back odometer would be ineligible for protection or subject to contract cancellation if mileage fraud is discovered after coverage has been issued.
If the car owner participates in odometer tampering or is aware of the activity, they could face criminal and civil liability.
Car ownership involves many complex issues, like odometer tampering. But an Endurance extended warranty makes things simple with coverage against breakdowns and expensive trips to the repair shop.
Choose from a comprehensive vehicle protection plan that mirrors a new car warranty or an option that covers primary systems like the engine and transmission. Endurance even offers coverage with maintenance services (like oil changes and tire rotations) and plans for select luxury models and high-mileage cars.
All Endurance vehicle service contracts include 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car support, and trip interruption protection. Customers receive a 30-day money-back guarantee, flexible payment terms, and the freedom to choose any ASE Certified mechanic for repairs. We also include access to a free year of Elite Benefits. Pay a small activation fee to receive up to $2,000 in useful services, like tire repair and replacement, collision repair discounts, and key fob replacement.
Learn more about Endurance protection plans by calling (800) 253-8203 for a free quote, or shop online today.
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Alex has worked in the automotive service industry for over 20 years. After graduating from one of the country’s top technical schools, he worked as a technician achieving a Master Technician certification. He also has experience as a service advisor and service manager. Read more about Alex.