USED Car Dealer Ordered to Pay £8,000 to Customers Over Clocking Scam
Are you in the market for a used car? If so, you may want to pay close attention to the recent case of SMC Cars & Commercials, a dealership that was ordered to pay £8,000 to customers over a scam involving clocking the mileage on vehicles. This fraudulent practice is unfortunately becoming more common, and it’s essential for consumers to be cautious when purchasing a second-hand car.
The dealership was found guilty of reducing the mileage on several vehicles and selling them at inflated prices. This deceitful tactic not only misleads customers but also puts their safety at risk, as the true history of the vehicle is hidden. In this case, the dealership had sold cars with reduced mileage, with one vehicle having its odometer rolled back by a staggering 52,000 miles.
The consequences for the dealership were severe, with the directors being ordered to pay compensation to the affected customers and carry out community service. This serves as a warning to other dishonest dealerships that engage in similar practices.
According to experts, the rise in second-hand car prices has made it even more crucial for consumers to have confidence in local car dealerships. It’s essential for car traders to provide accurate and honest information about the vehicles they sell, ensuring that customers are not misled.
To protect yourself from falling victim to car clocking, there are several red flags to watch out for. Discrepancies between the odometer reading and the MOT certificate, excessive wear and tear on the vehicle, and unusually low mileage on an older car are all signs that the vehicle may have been tampered with.
If you suspect that you have purchased a clocked car, it’s important to take action. Check your warranty documents, contact the seller to discuss the issue, and seek advice from organizations like the Motor Ombudsman or Citizens Advice. Avoid driving the car if you believe it may be unsafe.
To avoid the pitfalls of car clocking, it’s recommended to only buy from reputable dealers with positive reviews. By being vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself from falling victim to this fraudulent practice and ensure that you get a fair deal when purchasing a used car.