Vehicle clocking fraud on the rise, dealers warn

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 11:01 · Archive

Eight in ten used-car dealers describe vehicle clocking as a serious problem, with an estimated 14% of second-hand cars potentially affected.

Vehicle clocking, the deliberate reduction of a car's recorded mileage to make it appear less used, is rising in the UK second-hand market. A survey of 310 independent used-car dealers found 81% describing clocking as a "serious issue" for the industry, with dealers estimating 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 offence for altering a vehicle's mileage, making such cases more difficult to pursue. Car marketplace Cazoo has called on the Government to close this loophole and make the deliberate alteration of mileage a criminal offence in its own right.

Cazoo has introduced a new feature on its website showing MOT history using official DVSA and DVLA records, including the date, result and recorded mileage of each test, usually with a mileage chart. Where readings do not follow expected patterns, buyers are prompted to check the official record. The feature does not confirm whether a vehicle has been clocked, as inconsistent readings can result from recording errors or replaced displays, but it may help flag potential cases.

Although the Government is considering measures to prevent clocking of electric vehicles ahead of pay-per-mile taxation in 2028, Cazoo argues that action is needed sooner.

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 carRomsey Advertiser · 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 carBasingstoke Gazette · 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 carAndover Advertiser · 19 Oct, 10:53

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