CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7 Chicago’s I-Team is issuing an alert Friday about an increased risk of odometer fraud.

It’s up by almost 20% in recent years nationwide, and experts say it’s a huge problem in the Chicago area.

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New tools are making it easier for scammers to roll back odometers.

It’s scary to see: a vehicle’s mileage altered on the odometer from about 300,000 miles to less than 100,000 miles, all with the use of technology.

It’s a valuable warning for anyone buying a used car in the new year.

Josh Ingle is the president of a company that performs electronic repairs on cars.

He gave a demonstration for CARFAX.

Quick Tip: Stay scam-free in 2025

Ingle said the legitimate tools are supposed to be used by mechanics to make mileage accurate on salvaged vehicles, but they can be used to scam potential buyers. Anyone can buy the devices online.

“So, you’re kind of erasing what information is there before, and, you know. So, there’s not not a real digital footprint for the most part on a lot of vehicles,” Ingle said.

CARFAX said more than 2 million cars on the road may have had their odometers rolled back in 2024. That’s up more than 18% since 2021.

“The biggest thing (used car buyers) can do is to go look at a vehicle history report. It’s the simplest thing that is possible. You put in a VIN, and you see if there’s any red flags going on with the vehicle that you’re looking to purchase,” Ingle said.

You can purchase car history reports through CARFAX, AutoCheck and other sources online. You should also get used vehicles inspected by a mechanic.

And don’t be afraid to ask the seller to cover the costs of mechanical checks and vehicle reports.

“Many reputable dealers, many maintenance shops work with CARFAX, and they allow you to request a CARFAX report or the vehicle history report. And, many times, if they do want to make that sell, they will get you that report so you can check it out ahead of time,” a CARFAX spokesperson said.

CARFAX said Illinois is fifth in the nation for rollbacks, and Chicago ranks sixth for metropolitan areas.

Visit the secretary of state’s website for more information on how to avoid fraud and what to do if you’re a victim.

WESTFIELD – The Westfield Athenaeum will again collaborate with the Springfield Chamber Players (MOSSO) to present a three-concert series in the Lang Auditorium at the Westfield Athenaeum in 2025.

Athenaeum Director Guy McLain said this will be the fourth year the library will host the Springfield Chamber Players for the concerts, which he called “almost a tradition.” All of the musicians are current or former players with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

WOODLAWN, Ill. (KFVS) – Residents are urged to take shelter following a possible hazmat situation on Interstate 64.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, due to an ongoing traffic accident and a possible hazmat situation, a “shelter in place” has been issued for a half-mile radius of I-64 westbound at the 66-mile marker.

Sheriff Jeff Bullard says a chemical truck overturned around the area.

As of around 10 p.m. the hazmat situation has been contained. Crews are remaining on scene to upright the vessel.

The shelter-in-place order remains in place and is precautionary at this time. This order affects residences on Magic Road and Houston Road in Woodlawn.

Residents are urged to remain indoors, close windows and doors, and turn off HVAC systems. Do not use your phones unless necessary.

Additionally, all westbound lanes of I-64 from Woodlawn Exit 69 to Washington County Line are closed.

Traffic going westbound will be detoured at the Woodlawn exit, South to IL HWY 15, and West to US HWY 51 North.

Motorists traveling I-64 Westbound from Mt. Vernon are encouraged to exit at Mt. Vernon 95 exit, travel west on IL HWY 15 to US HWY 51 then North to I-64.

We will continue to update as more information becomes available.

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