New Jersey Lemon Law Lawyer Blog
Consumer-Attorney.com is the official website of The Law Office of Jonathan Rudnick LLC, a New Jersey-based law firm specializing in consumer protection. The firm is dedicated to safeguarding consumer rights and offers legal services in areas such as:
- Consumer Fraud: Addressing deceptive business practices that harm consumers.
- Lemon Law: Assisting clients with vehicles that have significant defects affecting their use, value, or safety.
- Auto Dealership Fraud: Handling cases involving misrepresentation, undisclosed damages, and other fraudulent activities by car dealerships.
- Class Actions: Representing groups of consumers in collective legal actions against businesses engaging in widespread fraudulent practices.
The firm’s founder, Jonathan Rudnick, has been practicing law since 1990 and has extensive experience in consumer litigation. He has litigated over 3,000 cases, including consumer fraud, lemon law, and class action lawsuits. Jonathan has served on the New Jersey State Bar Association’s Consumer Law Committee since its inception in 2002 and is a member of the LawLine Online Faculty.
The website provides resources for consumers, including information on the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, lemon law guidelines, and advice on dealing with auto fraud. It also offers a blog that discusses various consumer protection topics and legal updates.
For individuals seeking legal assistance, the website offers contact information and encourages potential clients to reach out for consultations.
What is Odometer Rollback?
Odometer rollback is a type of auto fraud where a seller manipulates a vehicle’s odometer to show a lower mileage than the car has actually traveled. This deceptive practice is used to make a vehicle appear newer and more valuable, allowing the seller to inflate its price.
How Odometer Rollback Works
Fraudsters use various methods to alter a car’s mileage reading, including:
- Digital Odometer Tampering – Newer cars with digital odometers can be hacked with software or reprogramming devices.
- Mechanical Odometer Manipulation – Older cars with manual odometers can have the numbers physically rolled back.
- Odometer Replacement – Some fraudsters swap in a lower-mileage odometer from another vehicle.
Why Odometer Rollback is Illegal
✔ Federal Law: The Truth in Mileage Act (TIMA) makes odometer fraud a felony in the U.S.
✔ New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act: NJ law prohibits selling a vehicle with a misrepresented odometer reading and allows treble damages for victims.
✔ Penalties: Violators can face fines, lawsuits, and even prison time for engaging in odometer fraud.
How to Detect Odometer Rollback
🚨 Check the Vehicle History Report (Carfax, AutoCheck) – Look for inconsistencies in mileage records.
🚨 Compare Mileage to Maintenance Records – Service reports often document mileage over time.
🚨 Inspect Wear & Tear – A car with low mileage but worn-out seats, pedals, or tires could be suspicious.
🚨 Use the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) Database – A free tool to check for mileage discrepancies.
What to Do If You’re a Victim of Odometer Fraud
✔ Report it to the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission
✔ Consult an Auto Fraud Attorney – You may be entitled to triple damages under NJ law.
✔ File a Complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
🚗 Bottom Line: Odometer rollback is a serious fraud that costs buyers thousands and leads to unsafe vehicles on the road. Always verify a car’s mileage before purchase!