Is Odometer Tampering Illegal, and What Penalties Can It Lead To?

🚗 When “Only 42,000 Miles” Cost a Buyer Everything

It was supposed to be a dream deal.

A young couple bought a used car that looked almost new—clean interior, shiny paint, and only 42,000 miles on the odometer.

But just three weeks later, the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree.

They took it in for service, and that’s when the mechanic delivered the gut punch:

“This car has closer to 142,000 miles.”

They had just become victims of odometer tampering. And they weren’t alone.

Every year, thousands of unsuspecting buyers fall for similar scams.

If you’re asking, “Is odometer tampering illegal, and what penalties can it lead to?”—the answer is a resounding yes. Odometer tampering isn’t just dishonest. It’s a federal and state crime, and it leaves a trail of emotional and financial damage.

This page explains what odometer tampering is, the legal consequences (including odometer fraud penalties), and what your rights are under car mileage fraud law. More importantly, we’ll show you how our legal team can help you fight back.

Is Odometer Tampering Illegal?

Yes. Odometer tampering is illegal under both federal and state law.

This crime involves rolling back, disconnecting, or resetting a vehicle’s odometer to make it appear the car has fewer miles than it actually does. Why? Because a lower mileage can trick buyers into paying more than the vehicle is worth.

Under the Federal Truth in Mileage Act, it is illegal to tamper with a vehicle’s odometer or misrepresent a vehicle’s mileage when selling it.

States also have their own versions of car mileage fraud law, which can carry additional civil and criminal penalties.

What Are the Penalties for Odometer Fraud?

Odometer fraud isn’t a slap-on-the-wrist offense.

In fact, the odometer fraud penalties can include:

Civil Penalties

• Damages of $10,000 or more per violation
• Attorney’s fees and court costs
• Refunds or vehicle buybacks

Criminal Penalties

• Fines of up to $250,000
• Up to 3 years in federal prison
• Additional state-level penalties

Tampering with an odometer is not just a deceptive business practice—it’s wire fraud, consumer fraud, and criminal fraud rolled into one.

💡 Did You Know?
In California, odometer tampering is both a state and federal crime. Under Vehicle Code § 28050.1, it’s illegal to alter, reset, or misrepresent mileage. Violators can face civil penalties, criminal charges, and may owe victims refunds, damages, and attorney’s fees. You don’t have to accept being defrauded—strong legal protections are in place to help you recover.

Real Example – A Dealer Behind Bars

A used car dealer in Florida was caught selling more than 150 cars with rolled-back odometers.

He received a 30-month prison sentence and was ordered to pay hundreds of thousands in restitution to victims.

Buyers had paid full price for vehicles that were dangerously worn out and unsafe to drive.

This case wasn’t unusual. Prosecutors across the country are cracking down on mileage tampering, especially with digital odometers, which scammers think are harder to detect.

They’re not. And when caught, the legal consequences of odometer fraud are serious.

How Do I Know If I’ve Been a Victim of Odometer Fraud?

If something about your car’s condition doesn’t match its reported mileage, it’s time to ask questions.

Common signs include:

• Worn-out pedals or steering wheels in “low-mileage” cars
• Maintenance records that don’t line up
• Gaps in the vehicle history report
• Unusual wear and tear for the odometer reading

If you’ve been misled, you may be entitled to compensation under car mileage fraud law.

What Can a Lawyer Do About Odometer Fraud?

You don’t have to fight this alone. And you shouldn’t.

Here’s what we do for clients who’ve been defrauded:

We Investigate the Fraud

We review the vehicle history, title records, service documents, and digital odometer data.

We Demand Compensation

We can help you recover:

• The difference in value between what you paid and what the car is really worth
• Legal fees
• Potential triple damages in some cases

We Take Legal Action

If the seller refuses to settle, we’re prepared to go to court. And we win.

Odometer tampering is illegal, and we use state and federal car mileage fraud laws to hold scammers accountable.

You Have Rights. Let’s Enforce Them.

Most buyers feel embarrassed after realizing they’ve been scammed.

But don’t let that stop you from standing up for your rights.

Fraudsters count on your silence.

We don’t.

At our law firm, we help people just like you—buyers who were lied to—recover their money, their confidence, and their peace of mind.

You didn’t deserve to be tricked. But you do deserve justice.

Why Choose Us for Your Odometer Fraud Case?

Here’s what makes our approach different:

• ✅ We know the tricks dealers use—and how to expose them
• ✅ We build strong cases using real evidence
• ✅ We don’t get paid unless you win
• ✅ We offer a free case review—no risk to you

Don’t wait until your warranty runs out or the trail goes cold.

What’s Next?

Ready to take the next step?

Let’s review your case and see if you qualify for compensation.

Your consultation is 100% free and confidential.

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