Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts today commented on the case of Badaoui Antonios Boutros of Merrylands who has been ordered to pay $7,128 by Parramatta Local Court for altering the odometers of two motor vehicles he offered for sale.

The order included that Mr Boutros compensate a disadvantaged consumer $2,470.

Mr Boutros altered the odometers of two vehicles, creating deficiencies of 120,000kms and 83,000kms.

Mr Boutros first came to Fair Trading’s attention as part of a year long compliance campaign targeting unlicensed dealers purchasing vehicles through auction houses.

Auctions were inspected for compliance with the Motor Dealers Act 1974 and Mr Boutros was identified through auction house records.

When Fair Trading approached Mr Boutros he admitted to buying and selling the vehicles, but claimed he did not know it was an offence to change odometers.

The Minister said odometer readings are often a deciding factor for consumers buying a second-hand car and they have every right to feel confident that the reading is accurate.

“By altering the odometers of the two vehicles, Mr Boutros cheated buyers out of thousands of kilometres,” he said.

Mr Roberts said consumers have a right to expect certainty when purchasing a car.

“Buying a car is a serious business and a big financial commitment,” he said.

“The court’s decision confirms Fair Trading’s strong approach to protecting consumers against the unethical and potentially dangerous practices of odometer interference.

“People who are engaged in deceptive breaches such as this should take heed. Fair Trading regularly inspects the marketplace, conducting compliance operations that target licensed dealerships, auction houses and online car sales websites.

“The law exists to create certainty in the marketplace. “It ensures consumers and traders understand their respective rights and adhere to their obligations.

“There is simply no place for cowboys in the motor vehicle industry.”

Breaches of the Motor Dealers Act 1974 for odometer interference can attract fines of up to $11,000 in the Local Court and $110,000 in the Supreme Court.

For more information on buying a car, including a copy of the publication The car buyers handbook visit the NSW Fair Trading website.

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