Gwinnett County Police Probe Widespread Odometer Fraud Linked to Facebook Marketplace Auto Sales
GWINNETT COUNTY, GEORGIA — Police in Gwinnett County are investigating a series of alleged odometer discrepancies linked to vehicles sold on Facebook Marketplace, raising concerns about potential fraud among independent car brokers in Peachtree Corners.
The probe began after a customer discovered a 132,000-mile discrepancy in the car she purchased — a Honda Ridgeline — according to a Carfax vehicle history report. The case has since expanded to include multiple listings with similar irregularities.
Car Listings Showed Massive Mileage Gaps
Investigators and reporters from Atlanta News First Investigates identified nine vehicles listed for sale online by local brokers. Out of those, five cars showed discrepancies of more than 80,000 miles between their advertised mileage and official Carfax data.
In one instance, a Honda Pilot was advertised with 145,000 miles but had a documented 325,000 miles according to Carfax.
Gwinnett County police confirmed they are questioning Dennis S. Lewis, owner of Dede Auto Brokers, in connection with the listings. Lewis has not been charged but admitted to knowing about the discrepancies.
“Usually when a customer comes out you have to explain to them that the mileage is not right,” Lewis reportedly said. “But what they need to do is post the mileage online.”
Brokers Under Scrutiny in Peachtree Corners
The vehicles were found parked near an office building on Wetherburn Way, home to dozens of small auto brokers. The location is zoned for office use only, not for car storage or sales.
Local broker Chris Epps, who runs Efficient Auto Broker’s LLC from the same building, said he began receiving complaints months ago about Dede Auto Brokers from customers seeking missing titles and paperwork.
“I know people are concerned with any vehicle that they may purchase from anyone in this building,” Epps said. “I just wanted to separate myself from that bunch.”
Peachtree Corners officials have since cracked down on the issue, warning that improperly parked vehicles would be towed. Within days, most of the suspect cars had disappeared from the area.
Consumer Alert: How to Protect Yourself from Odometer Fraud
Authorities and consumer advocates are urging potential car buyers to take extra precautions when purchasing vehicles from brokers online. Common red flags include incomplete records, suspiciously low mileage, and refusal to provide inspection reports.
Here are some key steps to protect yourself:
- Verify Credentials: Ask for the broker’s license, insurance, and bond details.
- Check History Reports: Always run a Carfax or AutoCheck report to confirm mileage and accident history.
- Request Auction Scores: Ask for the car’s auction grade if it was bought wholesale.
- Inspect Before Buying: Have the vehicle examined by an independent, certified mechanic.
Following the investigation, Lewis reportedly refunded the mother and daughter who had purchased the Ridgeline and has since relocated his business to Covington Highway.
Gwinnett County police say the investigation remains ongoing and encourage anyone who suspects odometer tampering or title fraud to report it immediately.
Stay with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for continuing updates on this developing story and other investigations impacting Georgia residents.
