CHARLOTTE, N.C. —
More cybercriminals are hacking into odometers and rolling back the miles.
This is a big problem that's happening to thousands of cars of in the Charlotte area, and it could cost you thousands of dollars.
"Many people believe odometer fraud doesn't even exist because of digital odometers," said Chris Basso, a spokesperson for Carfax.
Odometer fraud has come a long way since Ferris Bueller's Day Off, but thousands still fall for it every year.
In Charlotte, newly released documents reveal more than 12,000 cars were found on the streets with their odometers rolled back. Across the nation, there was a 19 percent boost from the previous year.
Studies suggest consumers lose an average of $4,000 in value and unexpected repair costs buying a rolled back car.
"Years ago, I had an odometer fraud case," said Chris Vann, a local lawyer.
Vann has been handling car cases and consumer law for about 20 years.
"Were you surprised to see how big of a problem odometer fraud is now?" asked NBC Charlotte's Xavier Walton.
"I was. I was surprised by how big a problem it actually is," said Vann. "That's not something that usually comes across my desk that much."
Chris said while scammers want to take used-car buyers for a ride, it's something that can easily be spotted.
"Ounce of prevention prevents a pound of cure," said Vann.
Instead of buying with your heart, experts say use your head.
"You can check with any of these services if you run the VIN number on the internet you'll get the history of the car."