Free Check To Protect Yourself From Odometer Fraud

Used Car Scam Costs Car Buyers Billions

February 2003 (Newstream) -- Buying a used car? You should know that nearly one in ten used cars has had its odometer rolled back. That means you might be spending thousands of dollars more than you should -- and setting yourself up for some big repairs.

Recent studies show odometer fraud continues to rise, costing consumers an estimated $2 billion a year. Rolling back an odometer is illegal in the U.S., but automotive experts say it's also easy and profitable--especially for private sellers or illegal dealers, known as curbstoners, who are not bound by the same regulations as licensed used car dealers. Even digital odometers are susceptible thanks to equipment and software readily available on the Internet.

Here are some tips car buyers should follow to avoid being scammed:

Examine the tires. If the odometer on your car shows 20,000 or less, it should have the original tires. Always request the vehicle's maintenance, inspection and emission records. Then compare the mileage on the odometer those on the records. Get a detailed CARFAX Vehicle History Report to check for odometer discrepancies in the vehicle's history. Compare the title of the vehicle with the mileage on the vehicle's odometer. Look at the wear and tear on the vehicle -- especially the gas, brake and clutch pedals -- to be sure it seems consistent with the amount of miles displayed on the odometer. For a limited time, Carfax.com is offering viewers a free odometer rollback check. Using the vehicle identification number (VIN) from the car you'd like to check, and log on to CLICK4 FREE CHECK.