carVertical study reveals high levels of consumer unawareness regarding odometer fraud

A study conducted by carVertical involving approximately 8,000 European drivers reveals significant gaps in consumer awareness regarding odometer fraud in the used car market.

According to the findings, 76% of buyers do not know whom to report to if they discover a vehicle has had its mileage manipulated. Furthermore, 87.3% of respondents expressed doubt regarding their ability to recover lost funds following such a fraud. The research indicates that roughly 30.3% of participants have personally purchased a vehicle with altered mileage or know someone who has.

The study highlights a lack of legal and procedural knowledge among consumers, noting that while protections exist, many are unaware of how to utilize them or the specific penalties associated with such crimes.