People who are purchasing a used car, especially if they’re buying from a dealer, should know that they’re getting what’s being represented. Unfortunately, car salespeople will sometimes take drastic measures to try to get cars sold.
Some people think that changing the odometer of a vehicle isn’t a huge deal, but it’s actually illegal. It’s critical that everything is represented accurately when it’s sold.
What is odometer fraud?
Odometer fraud occurs when someone makes it appear as though the car hasn’t been driven as many miles as it really has. This makes it seem like there’s more life left in the engine than there truly is. This can lead to someone overpaying for the vehicle because they think it will last longer than it will. In some cases, the dealer will detail the vehicle to make it appear newer.
Many people don’t realize that tampering with an odometer is against federal law. There are also many states, including Pennsylvania, that have laws that prevent odometer fraud. This means that anyone who tampers with the odometer of a vehicle can face criminal charges for doing that.
You should receive a document that states how much mileage is on the odometer when you purchase a vehicle. If there’s an issue with the odometer that means the reading isn’t correct, that fact should be noted on the title.
Auto dealer fraud is a major problem that deserves swift action. This requires someone on your side who’s familiar with the Pennsylvania laws surrounding these matters. It’s best to get this started as soon as you can so you can be on your way toward a resolution faster.