By Alex kis | 2025.06.15
When the old tailor decided to buy a used car for his son, he expected a simple process—find a good car, pay for it, and move on. What he didn’t anticipate was a deep dive into one of the most common and costly scams in the used car world: odometer tampering.
The car looked great. The price was attractive. The mileage seemed low, especially for its age. But soon after the purchase, the problems began: strange noises, oil leaks, and unexpected engine issues. A visit to a trusted mechanic revealed the shocking truth—the odometer had been rolled back by over 100,000 kilometers.
What is Odometer Fraud?
Odometer fraud, or “clocking,” is the illegal practice of resetting or altering a vehicle’s mileage to appear lower than it truly is. It gives the illusion of a gently used vehicle, allowing dishonest sellers to ask for a higher price. Unfortunately, it also hides a car’s true wear and tear.
Why It Matters
. Financial Loss: You pay more than the car is worth.
. Mechanical Surprises: Cars with more mileage often have unseen maintenance issues.
. Resale Headaches: When it’s time to sell, you may face legal trouble or difficulty finding a buyer.
How to Protect Yourself
- Check the Service History: Look for inconsistencies in mileage records.
- Use Car History Reports: Services like CarVertical or AutoCheck can flag potential fraud.
- Professional Inspection: Have a trusted mechanic assess the condition of the car.
- Look at Wear Signs: Worn-out pedals, steering wheels, or seats can signal higher usage.
This experience taught our tailor a valuable lesson: trust is good, but verification is better. Avoid the odometer trap—because the cost of ignorance is always higher.
thanks for this