1.7 million vehicles ‘could be affected by mileage fraud’ says NFDA

The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) Trusted Dealers has carried out a survey of 1,000 drivers which found that almost two thirds (57 per cent) of motorists surveyed do not know how to check if their vehicle has been clocked, and the majority (57 per cent) said they are worried about buying a car that has had its mileage altered.

“Following the launch of our mileage fraud campaign to raise awareness and encourage the outlawing of mileage adjustment companies in the UK, it is extremely concerning to see that new data shows up to one in twenty cars on UK roads (1.7 million vehicles) – could be affected by mileage fraud”, comments Sue Robinson, director of the National Franchised Dealers Association.

Mileage fraud is the practice of altering a vehicle’s odometer to show a lower mileage than that actually travelled, thereby increasing the re-sale value of the vehicle. Whilst this is not illegal, the practice of selling a clocked vehicle to someone without notifying them that the odometer has been altered is.

Robinson continues, “Mileage fraud is not only economically damaging but a serious safety issue. Vehicles can remain unserviced for longer periods of time as their mileage readings are lower and therefore appear to have undergone less use. The NFDA warns that when a vehicle is left unserviced, the results can be devastating and should not be considered lightly.

“The NFDA has been in correspondence with the RT Hon John Hayes MP, Minister of State at the Department of Transport outlining the need for mileage fraud to be recognised as a serious crime due to the safety and cost implications it poses to road users, consumers and businesses.  We are pleased to see that the government has now published the consultation the Minister made us aware of on the roadworthiness directive and we will be responding.”