Odometer Fraud in PA? Here’s How to Protect Yourself
The miles you travel are tracked by the car’s odometer. When the odometer reading is altered to make the car appear like it has traveled less than it actually has, it’s called rolling an odometer.
Also known as busting miles or clocking, it makes potential buyers believe the car is in a better shape than it really is. Thus, the seller justifies their higher price. Needless to say, this is a serious legal offense since it not only impacts your finances but also your safety.
Fraud is so common nowadays that most people assume odometer tampering is a minor crime. However, it’s illegal under both federal and state law. Those who are accused of this crime face severe prosecution and long jail terms. For many, getting charged once is a useful impediment. But many people continue perpetrating such scams with impunity.
If you believe your second-hand car’s odometer has been tampered with, you have the right to take this issue to court. An experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can help you in your cause.
How to Avoid Odometer Rollback
Check digital history
Always corroborate the mileage claim from several independent angles. Never trust the seller’s assurance or a single document. Record the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) and order the complete report of the vehicle’s history at least once. Ideally, order an NMVTIS-based document. Finally, line up the odometer’s recorded entries chronologically. A flat plateau or sudden drop over a long period often signals tampering.
Check physical consistency
Take a walk around the car. Decide for yourself if the mileage you were told matches the wear on the car’s body. If the seller says the sedan has 30,000 miles but has smooth brake pedals or split seat bolster fabric, the seller might be lying. Worn-down tires, rusty underbodies, underhood grime, and ill-fitting doors also signify that the seller is committing fraud.
Audit paper trail
Flip through inspection receipts, oil-change stickers, and service booklets. If any shop recorded higher numbers than what the dash shows, you know the seller isn’t being truthful.
Module investigation
Pay an independent mechanic or a dealership to read the odometer for late-model vehicles. They can use their factory-grade tools to read the mileage installed in the control units. A mismatch between the dash and the concealed figure is irrefutable odometer tampering evidence that your Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can use in the hearing.
A single step doesn’t guarantee success, but if you apply these four checks, you weave a tight net around most fraudsters. They will not be able to slip through. Your Pittsburgh criminal lawyer can use these readings and reports to pursue justice for you.
Time is of the essence for such cases. Begin by gathering the proof. Take photos of the current odometer, text messages, or documents where the mileage is mentioned by the seller. A Pittsburgh criminal lawyer will help you report the suspected fraud to the NHTSA and lodge a complaint with the FTC. They will help you contact the DMV enforcement or the attorney general’s office.
If you think this might get costly, don’t worry! The statute of odometer fraud ensures you recover your losses and get up to $10,000 as statutory damages. It also covers the fees of your chosen Pittsburgh criminal lawyer.
So, if you suspect odometer tampering, contact Logue Law Group. Reach out to us at sean@seanloguelaw.com.