The federal Odometer Act (49 U.S.C. § 32701 et seq.) prohibits anyone from tampering with an odometer, operating a vehicle with a tampered odometer, or making false statements about a vehicle's mileage in connection with a sale. The Act applies to dealers, private sellers, and anyone else involved in the chain of title.

The treble damages provision is one of the most powerful remedies in consumer law. If your actual damages are $5,000 — meaning you paid $5,000 more than the vehicle was worth because of the false mileage — you may be entitled to $15,000 in statutory damages, plus attorney's fees. This makes odometer fraud cases economically viable to pursue even when the individual damages are modest.

Odometer fraud is detected in several ways. A vehicle history report (CarFax or AutoCheck) may show a mileage discrepancy if the odometer reading at a prior inspection or title transfer was higher than the current reading. A mechanic can sometimes identify signs of excessive wear inconsistent with the stated mileage — worn pedals, steering wheel, seat bolsters, or suspension components. And sometimes the title history itself shows a rollback.

Florida's FDUTPA provides an additional avenue for recovery. Misrepresenting a vehicle's mileage is a deceptive act under FDUTPA, and a FDUTPA claim entitles you to attorney's fees if you prevail. In practice, odometer fraud cases are often pursued under both the federal Act and FDUTPA to maximize the available remedies.

If you suspect odometer fraud, have the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic and obtain a vehicle history report. Compare the mileage on the title, the odometer disclosure statement, and the vehicle history report. If you find a discrepancy, consult an attorney promptly — the federal Odometer Act has a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the violation.