Drivers warned of rise in vehicle mileage fraud by clocking

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 11:01 · Archive

Car marketplace Cazoo warns that vehicle clocking—deliberately reducing recorded mileage—is rising, with dealers estimating 14% of second-hand cars may be affected.

Vehicle clocking—deliberately reducing a car's recorded mileage—is rising in the UK second-hand market, according to car marketplace Cazoo. A survey of 310 independent used-car dealers found that 81% described clocking as a 'serious issue' for the industry. Dealers estimated that on average 14% of second-hand cars they encounter may have had their mileage deliberately altered.

While knowingly selling a clocked car can be prosecuted under fraud and consumer protection laws, there is currently no specific criminal offence for altering a vehicle's mileage. This legal gap makes such cases more difficult to pursue. Cazoo has called on the Government to close this loophole by making the deliberate alteration of mileage a criminal offence in its own right. The company argues that action is needed urgently, though the Government is considering measures to prevent clocking of electric vehicles ahead of planned pay-per-mile taxation in 2028.

Cazoo has launched a new feature on its website to help buyers spot potential clocking. It displays MOT history using official DVSA and DVLA records, including dates, test results and recorded mileage for each test. Where mileage readings do not follow the expected pattern, buyers are prompted to check the official record. The feature does not definitively confirm clocking, as inconsistent readings can also result from recording errors or a replaced mileage display, but it may help flag potential cases.

How it is being reported

• Drivers urged to avoid falling victim to mileage fraud by taking important stepDrivers in the UK have been warned about falling victim to mileage fraud and how they could spot a clocked carSalisbury Journal · 19 Oct, 10:53
• Drivers urged to avoid falling victim to mileage fraud by taking important stepDrivers in the UK have been warned about falling victim to mileage fraud and how they could spot a clocked carSwindon Advertiser · 19 Oct, 09:59

In this story: Cazoo · DVSA · DVLA · UK

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem