Romania used car buyers lack awareness of odometer fraud

A survey by the carVertical platform reveals significant lack of awareness among used car buyers in Romania regarding odometer fraud. Approximately 77.5 percent of respondents stated they would not know where to report the issue if they discovered a vehicle's mileage had been manipulated.

The study indicates that 40.6 percent of participants have either personally purchased a car with a rolled-back odometer or know someone who has. Experts noted that such manipulations often involve an average reduction of approximately 95,100 kilometers.

Despite odometer tampering being illegal in Romania under 2023 legislation, many consumers remain unaware of the legal consequences. Roughly 58.8 percent of respondents did not know the potential penalties, and 12.7 percent believed the practice was not illegal. Under existing fraud laws, perpetrators can face imprisonment ranging from six months to three years.