Odometer fraud—commonly referred to as "clocking," "rolling back miles," or "busting miles"—is a deceptive and illegal practice that misleads consumers by manipulating the mileage displayed on a vehicle’s odometer. This practice makes the vehicle appear to have significantly fewer miles than it has actually traveled, leading to inflated prices and concealed wear and tear. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 450,000 vehicles with false odometer readings are sold in the U.S. each year, costing consumers over $1 billion annually. Buyers often discover too late that their "low-mileage" vehicle is plagued by mechanical problems or hidden damage. This is where consulting with an experienced Auto Fraud Attorney becomes critical in protecting your rights and recovering losses.
In response to the rising number of odometer fraud cases, Congress enacted the Federal Odometer Act, also known as the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act. This federal law strictly prohibits odometer tampering, the use or sale of tampering devices, and knowingly operating a vehicle with a defective or altered odometer (49 U.S.C. §32703). It also outlines proper disclosure procedures during vehicle transfers (49 U.S.C. §32705), ensuring buyers are informed of accurate mileage and whether the reading is reliable. Additionally, anyone involved in a conspiracy to commit odometer fraud can be held legally responsible (49 U.S.C. §32703(4)). Violating the law can result in serious civil and criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Various parties may be held accountable under this law. Individual sellers who knowingly manipulate odometers can face prosecution. Used car dealers are frequently implicated, as they often possess the tools and access needed to perform rollbacks discreetly. If a dealership is caught selling vehicles with tampered mileage or failing to disclose issues like frame damage, they can be held fully liable. Auto auctions, vehicle wholesalers, and car brokers also face penalties if they knowingly allow tampered vehicles to enter the market. In states like Florida, victims are encouraged to contact an Odometer Fraud Attorney Florida, who can provide legal support tailored to both federal and state consumer protection laws.
Fraudsters employ several methods to carry out odometer rollback schemes. In older vehicles with mechanical odometers, tampering often involves physically rolling the numbers backward. For newer cars with digital odometers, the approach is more advanced. Hackers use specialized devices or software to alter the data stored in the vehicle’s computer system. Some criminals even go as far as replacing the odometer entirely with one showing lower mileage. Another dangerous method involves using mileage blockers, devices that prevent the car from recording distance while it’s being driven—frequently used during test drives or long-distance transportation to avoid detection. These actions are not only illegal but also incredibly deceptive, often hiding severe issues like frame damage or powertrain deterioration that arise with higher mileage.
The consequences for consumers can be financially and emotionally devastating. You may overpay for a vehicle that’s worth far less than you were led to believe. Worse yet, odometer fraud often goes hand-in-hand with other types of vehicle misrepresentation, such as hiding previous accidents, water damage, or structural issues like frame damage. A vehicle with undisclosed frame damage may be unsafe to drive and costly to repair. If you discover such issues after purchase, contacting a skilled Auto Fraud Attorney is essential to explore your legal options. In Florida, for example, a dedicated Odometer Fraud Attorney Florida can help pursue damages and ensure you’re not stuck with a dangerous and overvalued vehicle.
Sometimes, vehicles sold under fraudulent pretenses also qualify for protection under state lemon laws. If the car suffers from repeated mechanical problems that impair its use, safety, or value—and if these issues persist even after multiple repair attempts—you may be eligible for remedies under lemon law statutes. A qualified Lemon Law Attorney can evaluate whether your vehicle qualifies as a "lemon" and guide you through the process of obtaining a refund, replacement, or cash compensation.
To protect yourself from becoming a victim of odometer fraud, it’s crucial to take several preventive steps before purchasing a used car. First, request a vehicle history report from a trusted source like Carfax or AutoCheck. These reports can help identify inconsistencies in mileage, past accidents, or records of frame damage. Second, ask for maintenance logs, which should include odometer readings over time. Third, always conduct a pre-purchase inspection with a reputable mechanic who can spot signs of high mileage, hidden damage, or tampering. Common red flags include excessive wear on the pedals, steering wheel, or driver's seat that doesn’t match the reported mileage. Lastly, don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal that feels suspicious or too good to be true.
If you discover that you've purchased a car with a tampered odometer or hidden defects, don’t wait to act. Time is critical, as some consumer protection laws impose deadlines for filing claims. An experienced Auto Fraud Attorney or Lemon Law Attorney can assess your case and help you recover losses, whether through legal settlement, dealership buyback, or courtroom litigation. For residents of Florida or Washington, finding a specialized Odometer Fraud Attorney Florida or Auto Fraud Attorney Washington ensures you’re working with someone who understands local laws, court practices, and how to challenge deceptive sellers.
www.sueyourdealer.com
