The odometer scam, a growing problem in Canada and the United States, must be brought to light. This article aims to shed light on how this fraud works and offer advice on how to escape its trap.
How Do Scammers Operate?
Odometers, which indicate the distance traveled by a vehicle, are frequently manipulated by fraudsters. HistoVec reveals the mileage established by technical inspectors, but no data comes from other official sources.
It is imperative to understand that these scams are not fueled solely by victims' negligence and greed. They can also be perpetrated against third parties. If you or a loved one is the victim of such a scam, you may be eligible for compensation from the scammer's insurer, provided you can prove that your loss was caused by an exclusion or restriction of coverage. your policy.
A System That Shows Its Flaws
The current system is not immune to fraud. To ensure the fair sale of vehicles, it would be necessary to extend verification to all imports and exports. The owner of a vehicle could no longer claim to have purchased a fraudulently used car in good faith; he would then be liable for a fine passed on by the State.
One solution would be to require the seller to obtain certification from the manufacturer, attesting to the conformity of the vehicle with its warranty. This would eliminate sellers who claim to sell genuine cars that have not been inspected.
Expertise and Recourse in the event of a Tampered Odometer
Expertise
Two areas of expertise are involved: civil and criminal. The first instance seeks to obtain damages or other relief measures. If proceedings are initiated, they are criminal in nature.
Appeal
To be able to file a lawsuit, you must have suffered harm. You can request restitution of the difference in value between the price paid and the market price, or demand a refund from the seller.
The Intervention of an Automotive Expert
It is recommended to call an automotive expert to examine a tampered with odometer. Experts have tools and equipment that allow them to instantly detect tampering.
The Basics of the Procedure
The buyer can sue the seller for damages if the value of the vehicle was known at the time of sale but the price was lower than the actual value. He can also claim damages if the vehicle had a hidden defect that affects its value, its use, or if he would have abandoned the purchase if he had been aware of the defect.
Finally: Legislation and Preventive Measures
In some countries, there are specific laws to protect consumers against this type of fraud. For example, in the United States, federal law prohibits the tampering of odometers. Severe fines are provided for those who violate these laws.
Education and information are key to avoiding these scams. By knowing the signs of possible odometer manipulation, potential buyers can protect themselves. It is also recommended to always have a used vehicle inspected by a professional before making a purchase.
Here are some signs that an odometer may have been tampered with:
Low mileage despite the age of the vehicle.
Excessive wear to the pedals, steering wheel, shift lever, floor mats, driver's seat or buttons, which does not correspond to the mileage shown.
Traces of alteration on the dashboard.
The seller is vague or reluctant to discuss the vehicle's history.
Remember, the key to avoiding falling for this type of scam is to do your due diligence when purchasing a used vehicle. Take the time to inspect the vehicle, request supporting documentation, and consider hiring an automotive expert to help you make an informed choice.
My name is Sofiane, I was born in Lyon in 1996. I grew up in a modest family and I have always been fascinated by cars since I was very young.
After my high school studies, I decided to specialize in the automotive field. So I went to study automotive engineering in Grenoble where I obtained a master's degree in mechanical engineering for passenger vehicles.
Passionate about OBD (On-Board Diagnostic) technology, which allows drivers to diagnose their car themselves using the elaborate system embedded in their vehicles connected via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi or USB with a compatible personal computer such as Windows PC/ Linux/MacOsX such as ELM327 WiFi), I started my professional career as a technical writer after having completed several practical internships with different Lyon automobile garages in order to deepen my technical knowledge for this sector and acquire sufficient practical experience necessary that could be useful when products software achievements.
Over the years, I had developed some additional passions in particular: travel, computing (IOT & IP Networks) and Jazz music. It is thus that thanks to these additional skills enriched during all his extra-professional adventures that he was able to establish a bridge between his professional and private life offering him more equally interesting and diversified professional opportunities
I like working on complex projects linked to this fairly cutting-edge technology (preventive maintenance, advanced engine error diagnostics) because it allows me to take on stimulating technical challenges which constantly improve my skills and my expertise in this sector.
As a technical editor for Bosch France, I often had the opportunity to participate in seminars organized by their partners, suppliers or internal distributors. Thus during a professional trip to China to attend a conference on new trends in the Chinese automotive market ( 2020)
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