A new report by the vehicle data company carVertical highlights the prevalence of odometer fraud in Lithuania, focusing on the year 2025. The study indicates that the Toyota Prius was the most commonly affected model, with 21.2% of all checked units displaying false odometer readings. On average, the reported mileage for this model was manipulated by approximately 139,600 kilometers. The Volvo V70 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class also appeared in the report, suffering from similar fraudulent practices with significant average odometer adjustments as well.

The analysis notes that fraudsters frequently target other popular models “Toyota,” “Mercedes-Benz,” and “Volvo” across Europe, with techniques for altering odometers being consistent. The investigation suggests that technologies allowing for the importation of vehicles across borders contribute to this illicit activity. As dishonest sellers import cars to different countries, they often alter their mileages, causing additional issues for potential buyers who trust the accuracy of the readings they see.

Despite sanctions intended to curb the flow of vehicles into Russia, the report reveals that thousands of cars continue to be imported, utilizing sophisticated methods to hide their true mileage. The lack of a centralized exchange of vehicle data between countries allows many fraudulent transactions to go unchecked, highlighting a significant gap in regulatory practices that may protect consumers from potential scams.