Think Mileage Is Real? Odometer Fraud Soars in Georgia

The Growing Problem of Odometer Fraud

Odometer fraud is becoming a significant concern for car buyers, especially during the holiday season when more people are looking to purchase used vehicles. According to CARFAX, tens of thousands of vehicles in Georgia are suspected of having their odometers rolled back, a deceptive practice that can cost buyers thousands of dollars without them even realizing it.

Understanding Odometer Fraud

The mileage displayed on a vehicle’s dashboard is often considered a key indicator of its value and condition. However, data from CARFAX suggests that this number may not always be accurate. Experts have demonstrated how easily an odometer can be manipulated using relatively inexpensive devices.

Josh Ingle, president of Atlanta Speedometer in Sugar Hill, showed the process using a device that has a legitimate purpose but is frequently used illegally. "I've entered in a new mileage, all I do is press the enter button," Ingle explained. "After a couple seconds, you're going to see that the odometer resets itself and it will come back with a brand-new number. So at that point in time, we've ultimately shaved 100,000 miles off this vehicle."

This process, while seemingly simple, can be done in seconds. Digital odometers, in particular, can make the scam easier to hide. CARFAX estimates nearly two and a half million vehicles on the road are suspected of odometer fraud, marking a 14% increase from last year.

Georgia's Odometer Fraud Situation

In Georgia alone, CARFAX estimates that 77,000 vehicles have been tampered with, including 56,000 in the Atlanta area. Each instance of odometer fraud results in an average loss of $3,300 in value for consumers.

Em Nguyen, CARFAX director of public relations, noted that the current used car market is particularly vulnerable. "Something specific to 2025 is the used car market. So the inventory for used cars is much lower. That means the cost is much higher. But people don't want to spend as much money. So scammers are thinking, how do I make this vehicle look more attractive? How do I make it more desirable?"

What Buyers Can Do to Protect Themselves

Experts recommend several steps that buyers can take to protect themselves from odometer fraud:

• Pull the Carfax Vehicle History Report to understand the vehicle’s history and check the title, maintenance, and inspection records to compare the mileage on the vehicle.
• Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at carfax.com/odometer to check for potential odometer fraud.
• Check the wear and tear on the gas, brake, or clutch pedals. Does the wear seem in line with what the odometer is reading?
• Always have a trusted mechanic inspect the car before a purchase. They should be able to tell if a vehicle looks older than its odometer suggests. A trained mechanic will notice things you won’t — and have vantage points to check the car that you don’t — and may question why certain parts or components show advanced signs of wear that do not correspond to the vehicle’s mileage. For example, if the car’s spark plugs and wires should last 100,000 miles but look like they are due for replacement when the odometer reads 40,000 miles, that’s a problem.

Conclusion

As the used car market continues to evolve, so too do the methods used by scammers. Staying informed and taking proactive steps can help buyers avoid falling victim to odometer fraud. By utilizing resources like the Carfax Vehicle History Report and consulting with a trusted mechanic, buyers can make more informed decisions and protect themselves from potential losses.