News
29 September, 2023
Time to get serious on odometer fraud
A RECENT investigation into crime syndicates performing odometer wind-backs aired on local news has once again brought to light the urgent need for regulatory change and an overhaul of penalties related to odometer fraud in Queensland.
As the peak industry body representing businesses in the automotive industry, the Motor Trades Association of Queensland is well aware of the devastating impacts the unlawful act, which amounts to consumer fraud performed by unscrupulous and unlicensed individuals, has caused to the state’s law-abiding automotive dealership businesses, as well as to consumers.
Frustratingly, despite ongoing campaigning from MTA Queensland, and despite the issue once again emerging in the mainstream media, very little continues to be done at the policy level in the way of taking odometer fraud seriously and introducing sufficient preventative measures.
In an effort to help combat the issue, MTA Queensland launched an online odometer tampering reporting platform in late 2022, delivering critical information and evidence from consumers to assist the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in their investigations.
MTA Queensland CEO Rod Camm said for too long now, dodgy backyard operators have been left largely to do as they please when it comes to tampering with vehicles prior to sale, with the State Government failing to act on the regulatory front to this point.
“Both the New South Wales and South Australian governments have recently cracked down on odometer fraud and it is time our government followed suit.”
