When buying a car, it’s essential to know how to avoid odometer fraud. Most people have been scammed by unscrupulous dealers who promise them a great deal on a vehicle only to rip them off when the sale is over. Luckily, several ways are available to protect yourself from this kind of deceitful practice.
What Is Odometer Fraud?
Odometer fraud is the act of tampering with the odometer on a vehicle. It’s illegal in most countries and can also be a form of identity theft. In fact, it’s such an essential issue that it has its own name — odometer rollback or mileage correction fraud (MCCF).
This type of crime happens when someone tries to get money out of you by claiming your used car was purchased with fake miles on it and then asking for some kind of compensation for that supposed mistake. The goal here isn’t just getting cash but also trying to get as much personal information about you as possible so they can steal more from you later down the line.
Why Is Odometer Fraud Dangerous?
If the odometer on a used car is tampered with, the vehicle could be unsafe or even drivable. The engine might not have enough power to start or run properly. Worse still, the odometer readings could be off by as much as 100 percent or more, which means that no matter how careful you are in maintaining your car, it will never run as well as it should because of the fraudulent mileage readings on the odometer.
How To Avoid Odometer Fraud
When buying used cars Calgary, you should first check the odometer. This will help you avoid odometer fraud and ensure your car is as close to being used as possible. Here’s how to do it.
Perform a Title Check
One of the best ways to avoid odometer fraud is by doing a title check. You can get this done at any dealership or office by just showing your driver’s license and registration.
Check the Seller’s Service Records
If the service record shows that previous owners have had problems with their odometers being altered, this may indicate improper repairs by the seller or dishonest acts on behalf of the seller.
Look For Wear And Tear
Look for signs of wear and tear in your used car. This is an easy way to determine the legitimacy of any odometer reading you are considering.
Inspect the Brake Pedal and Floor Mats
The brake pedal should have a high resistance when pushed. If it’s very soft, or you hear loose gears inside the brake pedal, this could indicate odometer fraud. Also, inspect the floor mats for any signs of cracks or wear.
When buying a used car, you should be on top of your game. Ensure the odometer reading matches the owner’s manual and check out any discrepancies before handing over any money. If you discover something fishy with your purchase, call the cops.