Texas DMV Warns Car Buyers Against Odometer Fraud

A man suspected of rolling back odometers on vehicles for sale has been arrested in Grand Prairie after a 3-year, multi-agency investigation, authorities announced Wednesday.

According to a Texas Department of Motor Vehicles news release, the man, who was not identified, was arrested July 6 on a charge of tampering with an odometer.

Investigators believed the man was involved in a crime ring that reset or rolled back vehicle mileage counters. People who may have bought a vehicle with a false odometer reading will be contacted by Texas DMV officials.

"Mileage is a key factor that consumers use when deciding whether to buy a used vehicle," said Whitney Brewster, Texas DMV Executive Director. "Tampering with an odometer to deceive a buyer is a serious crime that puts innocent Texans' safety and finances at risk."

What you presume to be a a low-mileage vehicle may actually have serious safety issues, thanks to the hidden extra mileage.

To avoid odometer fraud, the DMV has this advice:

• Examine the interior and exterior of the vehicle carefully
• Write down the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Obtain a vehicle inspection report. They're free at www.mytxcar.org.
• Check vehicle history reports using a third-party provider like CARFAX or AutoCheck
•Do a title check