> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.carexplore.com.au/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Used Car Scam Exposed: Sellers Fined - URL: https://www.carexplore.com.au/used-car-scam-exposed-sellers-fined/ - Published: 2025-03-14T11:53:36.000Z - Updated: 2025-03-14T11:53:36.000Z - Description: NSW Fair Trading fines 28 sellers for odometer fraud in a major crackdown. Learn how to protect yourself when buying a used car. - Author: Dylan Anderson - Tags: Car News, NSW, New South Wales Buyers of used cars in New South Wales are being urged to check vehicle histories after **NSW Fair Trading** issued **28 fines** in just one month as part of a crackdown on odometer fraud. The operation targeted dodgy sellers manipulating odometer readings to inflate vehicle prices, with fines totaling more than **$100,000**. [NSW Driver Loses His License in 7 SecondsNSW driver loses license in just 7 seconds after reckless overtaking, speeding, and crossing double white lines, only to be caught by police.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-1284.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/NSW-DRiver-loses-License-16.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/nsw-driver-loses-his-license-in-7-seconds/) ## **Widespread Fraud Uncovered** During the operation, **54 penalty notices** were issued for offences ranging from odometer tampering to unlicensed motor dealing and failure to supply goods and services. Among those caught, **Andrew Rodney Leech** pleaded guilty to operating without a motor dealer’s licence and odometer tampering. Investigations revealed that between 2020 and 2022, Leech sold **16 unlicensed vehicles**, including one car where the odometer had been wound back by **over 200,000 kilometres**. [NSW Expands Average Speed Camera Trial to All VehiclesNSW is expanding average speed cameras to all vehicles in 2025, aiming to reduce road fatalities. A trial will begin on key highways mid-year.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-1285.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/NSW-Speed-Camera-Locations-point-1-9.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/nsw-expands-average-speed-camera-trial-to-all-vehicles/) ## **Consumer Warning: How to Protect Yourself** NSW Fair Trading is warning buyers to take precautions before purchasing a used car to avoid falling victim to fraud. Key steps include: - **Checking the vehicle’s history** – Ensure there are no outstanding loans or past write-offs. - **Verifying odometer readings** – The NSW Government offers a **free vehicle registration check**, providing access to the last three annual odometer readings. - **Confirming seller legitimacy** – Avoid purchasing from unlicensed dealers operating online via platforms like Facebook Marketplace without proper accreditation. ## **Industry Crackdown and Penalties** The crackdown is part of broader enforcement efforts targeting misconduct in the used car industry. In **2024 alone**, NSW Fair Trading took action against **21 licensed dealers and repairers**, resulting in: - **10 licence cancellations** - **13 disqualifications** (including 3 permanent bans) - **1 suspension** Odometer tampering carries severe penalties, with fines of **$1,100 per offence**. If taken to court, sellers could face penalties of up to **$55,000 per offence**. [NSW Drivers Can Remove a Demerit Point Under New SchemeNSW drivers can remove a demerit point by maintaining a clean record until January 31, 2026, under the state’s updated Demerit Point Return Scheme.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-1286.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/NSW-License-20.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/nsw-drivers-can-remove-a-demerit-point-under-new-scheme/) ## **Government Advice for Used Car Buyers** Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading **Anoulack Chanthivong** has urged buyers to stay vigilant and utilise government resources to verify a vehicle’s history. “Unscrupulous sellers use odometer tampering to increase vehicle value, leaving buyers with unexpected repair costs,” Mr. Chanthivong said. “Whether purchasing online or through a licensed dealer, always check the **Service NSW website** for a **free history report** before making a purchase.” For more details on consumer protections, visit the [NSW Fair Trading website](https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/consumer-warning-as-nsw-fair-trading-odometer-tampering-crackdown-fines-28-sellers-one-month?ref=carexplore.com.au) or check a vehicle’s registration through [Service NSW](https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/?ref=carexplore.com.au). --- [NSW P Plate’s Shocking Speed BustNSW P Platers wild speed bust on NSW’s Scenic Highway nets a huge fine and suspension![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-1282.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/NSW-P-Plate-Speed-Bust.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/nsw-p-plates-shocking-speed-bust-2/) [NSW Parking Fines: Avoid These Costly Mistakes in 2025Master NSW parking rules for 2025 and dodge hefty fines. From school zones to digital permits, here’s what you need to know.![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/icon/CarExplore-Favicon-1283.ico)CarExploreDylan Anderson![](https://www.carexplore.com.au/content/images/thumbnail/NSW-Parking-Fine.webp)](https://www.carexplore.com.au/nsw-parking-fines-avoid-these-costly-mistakes-in-2025/)