Odometer Fraud: How Rolled Back Mileage Can Cost You Thousands
It started like any other used car purchase. Maria had saved up for months to buy a reliable car for her commute. She found a clean sedan online, boasting only 45,000 miles. It ran well. The seller seemed honest. But three months later, the engine light came on. A mechanic gave her the news: the car had well over 120,000 miles.
Maria was the victim of odometer fraud—a deceptive tactic that’s more common than most people realize.
What Is Odometer Fraud?
Odometer fraud is when someone tampers with a vehicle’s mileage reading to make it appear lower than it truly is. It’s also known as mileage fraud or rolled back mileage. And while it may seem like a small tweak, it can lead to serious financial and safety consequences.
At our firm, we help clients who unknowingly bought vehicles with false mileage readings. These cases often involve hidden wear and tear, unexpected repairs, and unfair car values. Most importantly, they involve deception—and that’s illegal.
Why Do Sellers Roll Back Car Mileage?
The motive is simple: profit.
Cars with fewer miles appear newer, safer, and more valuable. When sellers roll back the odometer, they can:
- Charge a higher sale price
- Make the car look more desirable
- Hide the car’s actual wear and tear
This deception doesn’t just hurt your wallet—it can put your safety at risk. High-mileage vehicles may have hidden issues with brakes, engines, and suspensions that aren’t noticeable at first glance.
The Impact on Buyers: Real Money, Real Risk
Let’s break this down.
Say you paid $12,000 for a used SUV advertised with 60,000 miles. In reality, it had 130,000. That means:
- The real value might be closer to $7,000
- You could face thousands in repairs
- You’d struggle to resell the vehicle later
Plus, if you finance the car, you’re making payments based on a lie. That’s not just unfair—it’s illegal.
How Odometer Fraud Happens Today
Modern odometers are digital, which means the fraud isn’t as simple as turning a dial anymore. Today’s tactics can include:
- Replacing the instrument cluster
- Using software to reset the digital reading
- Swapping in parts from lower-mileage vehicles
Many buyers assume digital odometers are tamper-proof—they’re not. And scammers are always one step ahead.
Signs You May Be a Victim of Mileage Fraud
Not sure if your car’s mileage was rolled back? Look out for red flags like:
- A car that looks more worn than its mileage suggests
- Missing service records
- Gaps in the vehicle history report
- Steering wheel or pedals that are excessively worn
- Inconsistent mileage readings across reports
If you notice these signs, don’t ignore them. You may have legal options.
What to Do If You Suspect Odometer Fraud
If you believe you’ve bought a car with rolled back mileage, you need to act quickly. Here’s what our legal team can help you do:
- Investigate the vehicle’s true history
- Collect evidence of mileage tampering
- Pursue compensation from the seller or dealership
- Get your money back—or even more in damages
The law is clear: selling a vehicle with mileage fraud is illegal. And our firm knows how to hold sellers accountable.
💡 Did You Know?
In California, odometer fraud violates both federal law (49 U.S. Code § 32701) and state law under the Vehicle Code § 28050.1. If someone sells a car with a tampered odometer, you may have the right to cancel the sale, recover financial damages, and even pursue civil penalties. You don’t have to accept the loss—legal options are on your side.
We Fight for Car Buyers Like You
Our legal team has helped victims of odometer fraud across the state. Whether you bought from a dealership, private seller, or auction, you may be entitled to compensation.
Every case is different. But in many cases, we’ve been able to:
- Void the sale and get clients a full refund
- Secure additional compensation for repair costs
- Pursue punitive damages in egregious cases
And we handle everything—from the investigation to court proceedings—so you don’t have to.
Why Choose Us
When you work with our firm, you get:
✅ A clear explanation of your legal rights
✅ Experienced attorneys who understand odometer fraud laws
✅ A dedicated team focused on results
✅ No upfront fees—we don’t get paid unless you win
We take your case personally because we’ve seen how these scams ruin lives. Let us help you get justice and peace of mind.
Real Clients. Real Results.
One of our clients, Steve, bought what he thought was a 70,000-mile pickup. Months later, a mechanic found clues of rolled back mileage. We helped him uncover the truth: the truck had over 160,000 miles.
We got his money back—and then some.
These aren’t just cars. These are your investments, your transportation, and sometimes your family’s safety. You deserve better.
Take Action Today: Don’t Let Fraud Go Unpunished
If you suspect you’ve been a victim of odometer fraud, don’t wait.
Evidence can disappear. Sellers may skip town. Your legal rights have deadlines.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Let’s review your case and see what options you have to recover your losses—and hold fraudsters accountable.
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FAQ About Odometer Fraud
Is odometer fraud illegal?
Yes. Under federal and state law, it is a crime to knowingly misrepresent a vehicle’s mileage. Civil penalties can also apply.
Can dealerships be held accountable?
Absolutely. If a dealership sold a car with rolled back mileage, they can be legally responsible—even if they claim they didn’t know.
What kind of compensation can I get?
You may be entitled to a refund, damages for repair costs, and additional compensation depending on the case.