Auto experts warn odometer tampering is on the rise

Automobile consumer experts are warning potential used car buyers to beware – odometer tamping is on the rise and it’s becoming a big problem in the industry.

News 12 Staff

Jan 25, 2019, 11:35 PM

Updated 1,910 days ago

Share:

Automobile consumer experts are warning potential used car buyers to beware – odometer tamping is on the rise and it’s becoming a big problem in the industry.
“One of the main reasons for the rise in odometer fraud is how easily digital odometers can be manipulated, even easier than the old analog odometers,” says Chris Basso with Carfax.
Carfax reports that 1.6 million cars on the road now show signs of odometer fraud – including 85,000 in New York and nearly 32,000 in New Jersey.
Basso showed News 12 how easily it can be done. It took a technician just over 30 seconds to roll back the odometer from 230,000 miles to 130,000 miles.
“It really is scary how quickly it can be done and the people who are doing this are doing dozens to hundreds of vehicles at a time,” says Basso.
Experts say that there are some ways for consumers to detect possible odometer tampering. Services like Carfax, Autocheck or Vincheck will compare reported mileage at each registration and service date and report potential rollbacks – but that information is only as good as the information that is reported to those services.
A mechanic should also check out a used car to look for any signs of tampering or other mechanical issues with the vehicle.


More from News 12
2:19
New retail theft prevention plan in state budget includes harsher charges, more patrols

New retail theft prevention plan in state budget includes harsher charges, more patrols

1:46
Mostly cloudy skies and cool conditions on Long Island

Mostly cloudy skies and cool conditions on Long Island

0:28
Muslim Student Association of Walt Whitman High School hosts Day of Unity conference

Muslim Student Association of Walt Whitman High School hosts Day of Unity conference

0:23
Suffolk County holds police promotion ceremony in Brentwood

Suffolk County holds police promotion ceremony in Brentwood

2:00
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

0:17
Police probe multivehicle crash on Southern State Parkway

Police probe multivehicle crash on Southern State Parkway

0:23
Police: 1 man faces charges for selling cannabis, illegal vape products at Huntington Station shop

Police: 1 man faces charges for selling cannabis, illegal vape products at Huntington Station shop

0:26
Police: Wyandanch man arrested for recklessly driving dirt bike

Police: Wyandanch man arrested for recklessly driving dirt bike

0:14
Police: Suspect wanted for stealing over $3,000 worth of sunglasses from Lake Grove store

Police: Suspect wanted for stealing over $3,000 worth of sunglasses from Lake Grove store

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

1:30
Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

Police: Car drives into Plainview dance studio; 3 suffer minor injuries

1:50
Local leaders, residents express growing concern about homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

Local leaders, residents express growing concern about homeless shelter near West Babylon day care

2:00
John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

John Theissen Children's Foundation opens Family Fun Center in Wantagh

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road