If you’re shopping for a used car in Wisconsin, experts are urging extra caution following a surge in odometer fraud. While it’s always smart to inspect a vehicle thoroughly, request a vehicle history report, and get a mechanic’s opinion before purchasing, mileage fraud is a growing concern you may not see coming.

Wisconsin DMV Uncovers Nearly 6,000 Cars With Rolled-Back Odometers

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recently reported a disturbing jump in odometer rollback cases. In 2024, DMV investigators flagged 5,961 vehicles showing signs of mileage tampering—up sharply from 1,736 cases in 2023.

Odometer rollback involves illegally altering a vehicle’s mileage reading to make it appear less used, ultimately boosting its market value. The DMV warns this can cost buyers thousands of dollars, especially if they unknowingly purchase a car with false mileage.

Criminals Now Use High-Tech Methods

Maura Schifalacqua, Chief of the DMV’s Dealer and Agent Section, explained that while odometer fraud has been around for decades, modern scammers have adapted. Today’s fraudsters can hack directly into a car’s computer system to change mileage, making it even harder to detect.

The Financial Toll on Consumers

The DMV estimates that the nearly 6,000 vehicles identified in 2024 had 613.9 million miles rolled off their odometers. At a damage rate of $0.06 per mile, that equates to a $36.8 million loss to unsuspecting buyers.

In comparison, 2023 saw 181.7 million miles rolled back and $10.9 million in losses, highlighting the steep increase in fraud activity over just one year.

Where the Fraud Is Happening

Many of these cases were uncovered during vehicle sales and title transfers. Key sources include:

• Wisconsin wholesalers illegally selling vehicles to retail buyers
• Out-of-state dealers or wholesalers selling to Wisconsin residents
• Private sellers committing fraud against local buyers
• Title processing errors revealing inconsistencies

These findings led to the revocation of 20 wholesale dealer licenses in 2024 for odometer and title fraud—double the number revoked in both 2022 and 2023.

How to Spot Odometer Tampering

Wisconsin DMV officials say they verify odometer readings when issuing new titles by comparing them to records in both state and national databases using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Consumers can take several steps to detect potential tampering:

• Compare the mileage on the title to the vehicle’s odometer. Look for signs of alteration or missing information.
• Use vehicle history reports (like CARFAX) to check for mileage inconsistencies.
• Review maintenance and inspection records to ensure the mileage history makes sense.
• Inspect the odometer display. On mechanical odometers, misaligned numbers may indicate tampering.
• Check tires and wear-and-tear. A car claiming fewer than 20,000 miles should still have original tires and minimal interior wear.
• Look at the title reassignment section. Multiple transfers could mean the seller is an unlicensed dealer—another red flag for fraud.

What Buyers Should Do

If you’re buying a used car in Wisconsin, officials recommend staying alert and informed. Always:

• Get a full vehicle history report
• Verify the odometer reading on the title and dashboard
• Schedule a pre-purchase inspection with a certified mechanic
• Avoid buying from sellers with unclear or questionable paperwork

If you suspect you’ve been a victim of odometer fraud or have information on a suspicious sale, contact the Wisconsin DMV’s Dealer and Agent Section or your local law enforcement agency.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.