A car dealer and his sales executive from Gortin, County Tyrone, have been convicted of fraud after selling vehicles with altered odometers. The scam involved misrepresenting the cars’ mileage, potentially saving thousands for the deceitful dealership but costing unsuspecting customers dearly.
Following a consumer complaint, the Department for the Economy’s Trading Standards Service (TSS) investigated SMC Cars & Commercials Ltd. The probe revealed that Samuel McConnell (28), director of the company, and Ryan McKittrick (24), a sales executive, were guilty of misleading consumers. Both men pleaded guilty to five charges under the Fraud Act 2006.
As punishment, they were each sentenced to 240 hours of community service within 12 months. Additionally, a compensation order of £7,920 was awarded in total to the four defrauded victims, to be paid within 12 weeks.
The investigation exposed the extent of the tampering, with some vehicles having significantly lower advertised mileage compared to their actual travelled distances. For instance, a Peugeot 208 advertised with 89,000 miles was found to have actually clocked over 120,000 miles. Another case involved a Mercedes advertised with 92,000 miles, but its true mileage exceeded 120,000, and it was even a write-off from a previous accident (information deliberately concealed from the buyer).
Eavan Dunlop, representing the TSS, highlighted the case’s importance: “The number of vehicles uncovered… points to a systematic ‘clocking’ operation… With rising second-hand car prices, consumer confidence in local dealerships is vital. Car traders have a legal responsibility to ensure accurate descriptions.” The TSS remains committed to investigating such fraudulent practices.
Source: Economy NI
