Odometer tampering is the illegal act of altering a vehicle’s odometer to display a lower mileage than the car has actually traveled. This fraudulent practice is often used to mislead potential buyers or regulatory authorities about the true usage and value of a vehicle. By rolling back or resetting the odometer, sellers can demand a higher price and hide signs of wear or required maintenance. Odometer tampering can be performed mechanically or electronically, depending on the odometer type. It is considered a serious offense in many jurisdictions, often resulting in fines or criminal charges. Detecting tampering may require professional inspection or reviewing maintenance records.