UNDATED (WTAQ) – It’s probably not the first thing on your mind when you purchase a used car but odometer rollback fraud is a growing concern in Wisconsin.
Joel Ingebrigtson is a Fraud Investigator with the Wisconsin DOT and says it happens more often that you’d think. He says they receive 20 to 25 complaints each year that allege odometer fraud across the state.
The complaints have come from almost two dozen Wisconsin counties including Brown County.
The majority of complaints that they receive have two traits according to Ingebrigtson.
“Number one, they are purchased off of Craigslist or some other anonymous listings and second the purchaser doesn’t run a vehicle history report prior to buying the vehicle.”
If you are in the market for a pre-owned vehicle, the Wisconsin DOT suggests getting the vehicle history report up front. That will show you whether it’s been in any accidents, mileage history and other important information.
Newer cars with digital technology are also a target for odometer fraud. Ingebrigtson says if they have the right equipment, new technology can actually make it easier to crooks to fool potential buyers.
“They are able to roll the odometer back much quicker. There are tools out there that can do this in a matter of minutes. The tool essentially does it without leaving a trace.”
If you suspect odometer rollback fraud in your vehicle, gather as much information as possible about the purchase and then file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation field investigation unit at 608-266-1425.
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