23 November 2022 | MTA WA News
Queensland government acts on odometer tampering
As detailed in the September edition of Engine Room, MTA WA has formally asked the Department of Transport (DoT) to make a relatively simple change that will help private and commercial buyers identify odometer tampering before they buy a lemon.
While we don’t yet have any feedback from DoT in WA, it is clear this type of fraud is on the rise elsewhere too.
A recent news article by Robyn Wuth from AAP explained that Police in Queensland have charged five people with 40 offences related to odometer fraud and confiscated $400,000 in cash amid allegations that the syndicate has resold up to 700 second-hand vehicles in the past 12 months.
The article states, “The gang is accused of buying used cars as cheaply as possible, winding back their odometers, then with a cut and polish, reselling them at a huge mark-up through social media marketplaces.”
Acting Inspector Mick Corby is quoted saying, “it's difficult for the average consumer to detect and prove odometer fraud.”
Although the current lack of information available to consumers makes Inspector Corby’s statement quite correct, we will be in touch with our colleagues at the MTAQ to share ideas about the easy fix we have offered to the WA Department.
Let us know of your odometer fraud experiences - graham.cawley@mtawa.com.au
