VIDEO CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General Moody Warns Floridians About Odometer Fraud

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Release Date
Jun 4, 2024
Contact
Kylie Mason
Phone
(850) 245-0150

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today issued a Consumer Alert warning Floridians about odometer fraud. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this crime costs American car buyers more than $1 billion annually. NHTSA reports that more than 450,000 vehicles are sold each year with false odometer readings and a study from Carfax shows that cases are on the rise. Attorney General Moody is issuing a warning to Floridians about this type of fraud with tips to avoid falling victim.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Odometer fraud preys on unsuspecting consumers, eroding trust and leaving financial and safety risks in its wake. It is crucial for Floridians to remain cautious and informed when making vehicle purchases to avoid falling victim to this crime.”

Odometer fraud is the disconnection, resetting or alteration of a vehicle’s odometer with the intent to reduce the number of miles displayed. Deceptive car sellers may roll back mileage readings to make vehicles appear more valuable to unsuspecting buyers. Attorney General Moody warns Floridians that even newer cars could be a target of odometer fraud.

Attorney General Moody urges Floridians to be cautious while shopping for used vehicles and offers the following tips to avoid odometer fraud:

  • Request Vehicle History Reports: Obtain comprehensive vehicle history reports from reputable sources to verify mileage readings and uncover any discrepancies or inconsistencies in the vehicle’s records;
  • Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly: Conduct a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle, including its interior, exterior and under the hood, to identify signs of wear and tear that may contradict the purported mileage;
  • Consult Trusted Professionals: Seek assistance from qualified mechanics or automotive experts to assess the condition of the vehicle and detect any indications of odometer tampering or fraudulent activity; and
  • Exercise Caution: Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as it may be a fraudulent scheme.

Report odometer fraud to local law enforcement. It can also be reported by calling the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

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The Florida Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division issues Consumer Alerts to inform Floridians of emerging scams, new methods used to commit fraud, increased reports of common scams, or any other deceptive practice. Consumer Alerts are designed to notify Floridians about scams and available refunds in an effort to prevent financial losses or other harm caused by deceptive practices. Anyone encountering a scam should report the incident to the Florida Attorney General's Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or visiting MyFloridaLegal.com. To view recent Consumer Alerts and for other information about avoiding scams, visit MyFloridaLegal.com/ConsumerAlert.