Odometer fraud occurs when a motor vehicle's odometer is disconnected, reset or altered with the intent to change the number of clocked miles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 450,000 vehicles are sold each year with false odometer readings.
Many vehicles with tampered odometers are products of curbstoning – the sale of vehicles for profit without being licensed as a dealership. The N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles License & Theft Bureau estimates there are more than 5,400 curbstoners in North Carolina.
Signs of a possible curbstoner:
- The seller has multiple vehicles for sale.
- The seller's name is not on the vehicle title.
- The seller does not want to notarize the bill of sale. (The License & Theft Bureau recommends notarizing bills of sale and related documents.)
How to Report Odometer Fraud
Individuals who suspect they are a victim of curbstoning and/or odometer fraud should visit an NCDMV License & Theft Bureau office, contact their local law enforcement agency, or submit a complaint through the
NCDMV License & Theft Portal.
Go to the License & Theft Portal
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