Ms Judge said Mohamad El Homsi was convicted of three breaches of section 47A(1) of the Motor Dealers Act 1974 for odometer interference.

“The Court’s decision confirms Fair Trading’s strong approach to protecting consumers against dodgy motor dealers,” she said.

“Mr El Homsi interfered with the odometers of three motor vehicles, winding them back to rip off consumers.

“Odometer readings are often a deciding factor for consumers buying a second hand car and they should feel confident that the reading is accurate when they are purchasing a vehicle.”

Ms Judge said licensed dealers were required by law to sell vehicles in a reasonable and safe condition with relevant warranties in place.

“Buying a car is a big financial commitment, particularly in tough economic times,” Ms Judge said.

“Fair Trading provides a services through the Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS) that can tell you whether or not a vehicle is recorded as encumbered in NSW, ACT, NT, QLD, VIC and SA.

“Encumbered means there could be money owing on the car or that the registered operator may not own the vehicle outright.”

Consumers should also use REVS to check if the car has been:

» reported stolen to the police
» recorded as de-registered by the RTA due to outstanding fines
» recorded with the RTA or by an insurer as a written-off vehicle and
» recorded as having possible odometer interference.

The RTA also offers a more comprehensive vehicle history check for $18 which will tell you whether a car has been written-off in NSW or interstate.

Breaches under the Motor Dealers Act 1974 can attract penalties of up to $110,000 for unlicensed motor dealing and $11,000 for odometer interference.