The Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is cracking down on odometer tampering after a rise in consumer complaints in recent months.

Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said there had been 22 complaints about odometer rollbacks this year.

“The OFT is currently investigating 17 individuals suspected of falsely representing the mileage on a vehicle, while three other matters are about to be prosecuted through the courts,” Mr Bauer said.

“If we have evidence of odometer tampering, we will come after perpetrators whether they are licensed motor dealers or not.

“Odometer readings determine a vehicle’s value and consumers impacted are losing thousands of dollars on their vehicles.

“However more importantly, vehicles sold with tampered odometers can be a safety risk to the purchasers.

“The odometer readings are a key contributor to a vehicle’s safety and servicing schedule. Important components due to be checked such as brakes might be missed if the new owner and their mechanic are not aware of the true distance a vehicle has travelled.”

False representations about a vehicle’s mileage and tampering with a vehicle’s odometer are offences under the Motor Dealers and Chattel Auctioneers Act 2014.

The maximum fine for wilfully making a false representation is $72,063, and the maximum penalty for tampering with an odometer is $26,690 or two-years’ imprisonment.

“Offenders can be charged with these offences even if they are not a motor dealer, however motor dealers have a higher duty of care under the Act,” Mr Bauer said.

“Any change in a vehicle’s odometer reading while the vehicle is in the possession of a motor dealer is evidence of odometer tampering.

“Therefore, motor dealers must ensure that any changes to odometer readings are fully documented and disclosed.”

Earlier this year the OFT prosecuted a Gold Coast man for falsifying odometer readings. Mr Simon Birch pleaded guilty and was fined $17,000 for buying four used vehicles and re-selling them with a lower mileage.

Source: Queensland Office of Fair Trading | Crack down on speedo cheats

5 November 2020