Buying a used vehicle can be a good choice, but it requires extra attention. Among the most common scams is odometer tampering, a practice that disguises the real mileage to inflate the price and hide wear and tear.
Understanding how this scam happens, which signs should raise suspicion, and what precautions to take helps consumers avoid losses and decisions based on false information.
What odometer tampering is and why it happens
Odometer tampering occurs when the mileage displayed on the dashboard is intentionally reduced. The goal is to make the vehicle appear less used than it really is, artificially increasing its sale price.
In Brazil, this practice still finds room due to gaps in enforcement and the lack of detailed checks before purchase. Older vehicles and models with analog dashboards tend to be the most targeted, but digital systems can also be manipulated.
Common signs that the mileage may not be real
Some clues help identify inconsistencies between the vehicle’s condition and the reported mileage:
- Excessive wear on the steering wheel, pedals, and gear lever incompatible with the indicated mileage - Sagging seats, tears, or deformed foam in supposedly low-mileage cars - Buttons and controls with excessive fading - Nonexistent maintenance history or long gaps - Discrepancies between the dashboard mileage and old service records
A single isolated sign does not prove the scam, but a combination of several deserves attention.
How to check mileage beyond the dashboard
Relying only on the number displayed on the odometer is risky. Consumers can adopt complementary checks, such as:
- Requesting invoices and records of previous services - Checking mileage noted in inspections, when available - Evaluating the overall wear of the vehicle through a thorough inspection - Comparing the average annual usage with the profile of the car and the owner
These checks help build a more coherent picture of the vehicle’s real usage.
Impacts of fraud for the consumer
In addition to paying more, the buyer may take on unexpected costs shortly after the purchase. A car with higher real mileage tends to require maintenance that was not anticipated, such as replacement of the clutch, suspension, or engine components.
There is also the risk at future resale: once the tampering is discovered, the next buyer may question the vehicle’s origin, reducing its market value and generating conflicts.
Practical precautions before closing the deal
Some simple actions significantly reduce the chance of falling for scams:
- Be wary of prices far below the market average - Avoid rushed decisions under pressure from a “last opportunity” - Prefer negotiating with sellers who present a clear vehicle history - Get a technical evaluation before purchase, especially for older used cars
Time and caution are important allies for consumers.
Special attention in private-party purchases
Direct negotiations between private individuals require even more care, as there is no commercial intermediary. In these cases, record all information provided and confirm details whenever possible.
What consumers can do when identifying signs of fraud
When suspecting odometer tampering, the ideal action is to stop the negotiation. If the fraud is discovered after the purchase, gathering documents, ads, and conversations helps to register the situation with consumer protection channels.
Information and prevention remain the most effective ways to avoid this type of scam and preserve your rights when buying a used vehicle.
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