A Family’s Need Turns Into a Nightmare
Maria Alcala, a mother from the Nutbush area of Memphis, found herself at the center of a troubling incident that highlights the growing risk of odometer fraud. Hoping to find a reliable vehicle for her expanding family—especially with a new baby on the way—Alcala and her husband purchased a 2015 Chevrolet Suburban for $9,200 in cash. The seller listed the vehicle on Facebook Marketplace, claiming it had 140,000 miles.
However, their excitement quickly faded. On the drive home from finalizing the purchase, the vehicle began exhibiting serious mechanical issues. The check engine light turned on, and blue smoke started spewing from the exhaust. Alarmed, the couple looked over their paperwork more closely and made a disturbing discovery.
Discovery of the Discrepancy
The bill of sale and the new title showed a drastically different mileage than what the odometer displayed. While the dashboard indicated around 140,000 miles, official documents revealed the vehicle had nearly 223,000 miles—an 80,000-mile difference. The discrepancy led Alcala to believe she was a victim of odometer rollback, a deceptive practice where a car’s mileage is tampered with to appear lower and increase its resale value.
“I don’t want anybody else going through this,” Alcala told Fox 13. Her story struck a chord, as many families rely on used car purchases for budget-friendly transportation—yet lack the tools to detect fraud.
Odometer Fraud on the Rise
Alcala’s case is part of a larger trend. According to data from Carfax, odometer fraud has risen 18% over the last four years. The issue is far more common than many realize. Carfax estimates that in Tennessee alone, roughly 35,000 vehicles have been identified with manipulated mileage.
MW Win, a spokesperson for Carfax, warned that odometer tampering can be done quickly—even on modern vehicles with digital odometers. A demonstration video from Carfax showed how swiftly mileage can be falsified using simple tools. Contrary to popular belief, digital odometers are not inherently secure from tampering.
Why the Platform Matters
The choice to buy from Facebook Marketplace may have contributed to the risk. While convenient, such platforms lack accountability and consumer protection compared to certified dealers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued several warnings about car purchases through social media, noting that buyers often have no way to verify the legitimacy of sellers or the accuracy of the vehicle’s condition.
“You just really never know what you’re going to get—if you get it at all,” said a BBB representative.
Expert Advice for Buyers
To protect themselves, buyers are urged to follow several precautionary steps before making a used vehicle purchase. First, always compare the seller’s ID with the name on the vehicle title. Second, obtain a vehicle history report from services like Carfax. Third, have a trusted mechanic inspect the car thoroughly before handing over any money. Finally, using a credit card instead of cash can provide a degree of financial protection and dispute options.
Alcala’s use of cash gave her no recourse, and she now finds herself in a difficult position with a vehicle that may not be safe or roadworthy—and far more worn than advertised.
A Personal Plea for Awareness
“I just don’t understand how he sleeps good at night,” Alcala said, referring to the seller who allegedly misled her. She now wants to spread awareness and encourage other families to be cautious, especially when buying through informal or unregulated channels.
Her story, covered by Kate Berry of Fox 13 News, is a powerful reminder of the risks that come with buying used vehicles in an unregulated environment. With odometer fraud on the rise, consumer vigilance is more important than ever.
Alcala hopes that by sharing her experience, others will take the necessary steps to avoid similar financial and emotional distress. In her words, “Do your research and vet the seller.” Her warning echoes the message that no family should have to face such a costly deception—especially when their hopes were grounded in securing safety and space for their future.
