INDIANAPOLIS — As scammers look to capitalize on a hot used car market, records reveal odometer fraud is a growing problem in Central Indiana.
It’s an issue WRTV Investigates has been tracking for several years now.
A technician demonstrated for WRTV Investigates just how easy it is for conmen to use a simple tool and electronically roll back an odometer.
It took only seconds to change a 2009 Chevy’s mileage from 150,996 to 51,013.
A spokesperson said this change would increase the Chevy’s value by $3,000 to $7,300.
“Con men can make a quick buck by rolling these odometers back,” said Emilie Voss, a spokesperson for Carfax, a company that provides vehicle history information to consumers.
If you buy a rolled back vehicle, it could cost you thousands of dollars in value up front, plus even more money to maintain the car throughout its life.
"We do know in Indiana, the problem is also going up,” said Emilie Voss, a spokesperson for Carfax. “It's up 12 percent last year compared to last year and in the Indianapolis area, there's more than 11,000 vehicles that Carfax estimates are on the road. This is definitely a growing problem."
PREVIOUS | Craigslist seller failed to disclose odometer reading
Carfax offers a free odometer fraud check. You can also request a full Carfax or Autocheck report on the car’s maintenance and crash history, which could also indicate possible odometer fraud.
Keep in mind, most cars average 12,000 to 15,000 miles per year, so if that’s way off, it could be a red flag.
Look at the gas and brake pedals for wear and tear to see if it’s matching up with the mileage.
In addition, you should have a mechanic look at the car before buying.
One-third of all car sales are through private sales, such as through Craigslist and other online forums, according to vehicle history report company Carfax.
Some private sellers may not disclose a car’s hidden problems or the real mileage so that they can get more money for the vehicle.
-
IMPD Violence Reduction Teams seize more than 800 guns off Indy streets
This year, nearly 1,200 people have been arrested. More than 625 pounds of narcotics and nearly 4,900 pills have been seized.
IMPD begins traffic enforcement on Meridian Street after resident concerns
IMPD officers are now patrolling Meridian Street after residents raised concerns about the speeding issues they see there all the time.
Final phase of West St. resurfacing brings new lane closures to downtown Indy
Lane closures set to begin September 17 as crews complete resurfacing on West St. from Morris to 11th.
Documentary explores overlooked creative legacy of Indianapolis
WRTV hosted filmmaker Chris M. Wilborn to learn more about his upcoming project that follows three Indianapolis artists: Gary Gee, Israel Solomon, and Johnson Simon.
