June 21, 2023 - Placer County Sheriff's Office officials report on large group of national scammers.
Kudos to our detectives for solving a major case and putting the spotlight on a large group of national scammers!
In July of 2022, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle purchased from Craigslist; the new owner had suspicions that the odometer had been rolled back, which was ultimately confirmed to be true. This resulted in approximately a $10,000 loss from the victim as the value of the vehicle was falsified due to the odometer being altered by the suspects. An extensive investigation was launched, and several search warrants were written to assist with identifying the suspect who sold and altered the odometer of the sold vehicle. The suspect was eventually identified as 21-year-old Shahriyar Ibadli of Sacramento. Ibadli is in the United States on a work visa from Azerbaijan.
In May of 2023, PCSO, with the assistance of the Rocklin California DMV Investigations Unit, served a search warrant at Ibadli’s Sacramento home. The search warrant yielded several items of evidence including odometer correction tools, titles for multiple vehicles, and vehicles with rolled-back odometers. Ibadli was subsequently arrested by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office for grand theft, theft by false pretenses, identity theft, falsifying vehicle registration, and perjury by declaration.
The investigation revealed Ibadli is part of a much larger group of scammers, resulting in several active investigations. It was found these scammers primarily use Craigslist to sell vehicles with rolled-back odometers that are in high demand, including Ford trucks, Toyota SUVs, Lexus SUVs, and Subarus. Odometer rollback fraud has become a prominent issue in the Placer County and Sacramento County regions. Avoiding the purchase of a vehicle with a rolled-back odometer is important to ensure you get an accurate representation of its true mileage.
Below are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to such scams:
Research the vehicle's history: Obtain the vehicle identification number (VIN) and use reputable online services to check its history. Look for any inconsistencies in mileage records, maintenance, or reported accidents.
Review maintenance and service records: Request maintenance and service records from the seller. Consistent mileage readings should be reflected in these documents. Incomplete or missing records could be a red flag.
Check for wear and tear: Look for signs of excessive wear and tear that are inconsistent with the stated mileage. Pay attention to the condition of the seats, pedals, steering wheel, and other high-touch areas. If they appear overly worn, it might indicate the vehicle has an odometer rollback.
Examine the dashboard and controls: Inspect the dashboard for any tampering or mismatched parts. Ensure the odometer display is clear and functions correctly. Be cautious if the numbers seem blurry, or crooked, or if the mileage is significantly lower than expected.
Consult a professional mechanic: Seek a trusted mechanic's assistance for a thorough pre-purchase inspection. They can examine the vehicle for any signs of tampering, including the odometer. Their expertise can provide invaluable insights into the vehicle's true condition.
Beware of unusually low mileage: If a used vehicle's mileage seems unusually low compared to its age, it's wise to investigate further. Extremely low mileage vehicles can be suspicious. Consult a professional if needed.
Purchase from reputable sources: Buy from trusted dealerships or reputable sellers who have a solid reputation. They are more likely to ensure the accuracy of the vehicle's information and provide reliable documentation.
Use caution with private sales: Exercise extra caution when purchasing from private sellers, as they may be more inclined to engage in fraudulent practices. Be particularly vigilant about the condition, mileage, and maintenance history of the vehicle.
Be wary of "too good to be true" deals: If a deal appears too good to be true, it probably is. Sellers offering significantly lower prices compared to the market value may be trying to conceal issues like rollbacks.
Get a vehicle history report: Obtain a comprehensive vehicle history report from reputable providers like Carfax or AutoCheck. These reports can uncover discrepancies in mileage records, salvage titles, or other potential problems.
By following these tips, you can minimize the risk of falling for an odometer rollback scam and make a more informed decision when buying a used car. Remember to exercise due diligence, consult professionals when necessary, and trust your instincts if something seems suspicious.
Source & photo: Placer County Sheriff's Office
