How to Avoid Being a Victim of Odometer Fraud
When people think about buying a used car, they typically consider obvious safety features such as seat belts, brakes, air bags, and overall crashworthiness, along with make, model, and mileage. Many people don’t realize that other, less obvious equipment such as a vehicle’s odometer can be just as crucial to investigate before purchase, not only for your wallet but also for your safety.
If a vehicle’s odometer is rolled back to a lower number, you could end up driving a vehicle that is significantly less valuable and not as safe as you thought. Sometimes, dealers even roll back the odometer on recent vehicle models so buyers believe they’re purchasing a brand new vehicle. The most dangerous form of odometer rollback occurs on a vehicle that has been in a serious accident and should not be on the road.
To prevent someone from becoming a victim of this type of fraud, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), along with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), recommends consumers abide by the following tips:
- Compare the vehicle’s odometer mileage with its inspection and maintenance records
- Look at the vehicle’s wear and tear to see it if seems consistent with the mileage
- If the vehicle was previously owned, contact the state motor vehicle titling and registration office to obtain the vehicle’s title and title transfer documents, and then contact the previous owners to document and establish the vehicle’s true mileage
- Run a full report or an Odometer Check to see if there are any odometer discrepancies in the history of the vehicle
It is an unfortunate fact that many consumers are taken advantage of by dishonest car dealers. If you believe you have been a victim of car fraud in California, contact California used car fraud attorney Howard D. Silver. Mr. Silver can carefully examine the purchase of your vehicle to determine the best course of action for your situation. For a free consultation, call 1-866-49-LEMON today.
