For those who are considering buying a used automobile, perhaps one of the most highly perpetrated scams of all used car scams is odometer fraud. The following paragraphs will describe this type of fraud and detail ways to prevent becoming a victim of odometer fraud.

Defining Odometer Fraud

Odometer fraud occurs when the seller and/or owner of a used care takes steps to change the actual odometer reading on the title and automobile odometer itself. Individuals commit this type of offense for a few different reasons; however, the main reason in which individuals engage in odometer fraud is so that the automobile has a more attractive odometer reading and may sell more quickly and get a better price. It is important that prospective used car purchasers are aware of the existence of odometer fraud and take necessary precautions to guard against being susceptible to a fraudulent act of this type.

Reasons to Avoid Odometer Fraud

Some individuals may hear the term odometer fraud and not be overly concerned if the numbers on the odometer have been altered. There are a few reasons why prospective purchasers should be concerned about odometer fraud. First, if the odometer reading on the vehicle was altered, this could ultimately mean that more costly repairs will be necessary in the future as a car which is used more often has a much greater likelihood of having mechanical problems sooner than a newer vehicle. Secondly, if the odometer reading has been changed on the vehicle, the individual will most likely be paying more for an older car as the seller may charge more for a vehicle that supposedly has fewer miles, when in reality it doesn