Check Engine Light Scam

 

How The Engine Light Scam Works:

The engine is the heartbeat of every car. It is also one of the most expensive parts to get replaced or repaired. Because it is such a vital part of every vehicle there are a lot of things that could potentially go wrong with it, this is why engineers decided to put a little light on the dashboard that turns on when something is wrong with your engine.

However, scammers found a way to victimize consumers even with that little feature. How does the scam work?


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Watch the video below to see the Check Engine Light scam exposed:

Engine Light Scam Video

Most people are not mechanics and though yes, you can sometimes hear when things in your car are going out or feel it in the way it's driving. Other vehicle issues can be very subtle.

Before you know it, you could be stranded on the side of the road with your engine on fire, and you would have never known there was an issue, were it not for that little light warning you to get your engine checked.

This light is just a tiny little bulb on your warning system dash, and it is powered not solely by the battery, but by a fuse in your vehicles circuitry board. So there are two ways to disable this light, first by pulling the fuse and second by removing the bulb. A missing fuse is a lot easier to spot than a little light bulb behind the dash, which you can't see behind unless you took it apart.

Because of this, many people have been getting away with selling used cars to people for more than the car is worth. By removing this check engine light from the dash whatever problems are going on which the engine are unannounced to any potential buyer. So the car test drives fine, it sounds good you decide to buy it.

Not long after, you discover that this car is going to cost you way more than you bargained for in repairs. Especially since you had no warning that something was wrong, now it is in worse shape than when you bought it but did that one thing that was wrong mess up something else under your hood.

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How To Avoid The Check Engine Light Scam:

When you are looking to purchase a car always, always, always test drive it first, don't just take the sellers word that the car performs well. Whether you are buying from a car lot or an individual, put the key in the ignition and turn it just enough to light up the dash, but not far enough to start the vehicle.

All the lights on the dash should turn on, and stay on whether there is a problem with any of these parts of the car or not.

Look for the "Service Engine Soon" or "Check Engine" light, if it doesn't come on with all the others walk away from the deal. Obviously, someone has removed or disabled the light, and you don't need to waste your time or money on all the repairs that car is going to need.

 

How To Report The Check Engine Light Scam:

Make your family and friends aware of this scam by sharing it on social media using the buttons provided. You can also officially report the scammers to the Federal Trade Commission using the link below:

Report To The FTC Here

 

How To Protect Yourself More:

If you want to be the first to find out the most notorious scams every week, feel free to subscribe to the Scam Detector newsletter here. You'll receive periodical emails and we promise not to spam. Last but not least, use the Comments section below to expose other scammers.

 

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selma hrynchuk
Selma HrynchukSelma is a fraud prevention specialist renowned for her expertise in private eye investigations and a remarkable partnership with law enforcement agencies. Beyond her investigative triumphs, her public speaking engagements and written works have empowered countless individuals to protect themselves and stay ahead of deceptive schemes. Selma's legacy shines as a tenacious agent of change, unyielding in her commitment to battling fraud and ensuring a safer world for all.

3 thoughts on “Check Engine Light Scam”

  1. Turning the key just enough to see if the check engine light comes on is not a valid way to check if a vehicle’s gauge cluster has been tampered with. Almost anyone who is capable of removing the cluster and taking out the bulb could just as easily wire the check engine bulb to a different dash light to make it appear when you go to start it while still concealing an engine fault code. For example if i wire my check engine bulb in series with my low voltage warning light then my check engine light will appear on start up as well as if the battery is dying but not if there is an engine fault code.
    The point is, ALWAYS bring a trusted mechanic to preform a pre-purchase vehicle inspection. You cannot trust anyone when it comes to buying a used vehicle.

  2. This was very interesting. Think I’m being scammed right now. No check engine light on. Mechanic says light bulb was blown. Just bought a 2013 Equinox. Have only had it for 2 weeks. Car stalls or cuts off. I been had!!!

  3. My mom bought a car that the seller stated was in great condition..the seller never stated anything bout the vehicle emission.. he sold vehicle to my mom before pulling out CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BULB.. ONLY WAY TO FIND THIS OUT WAS TO TAKE IT FOR INSPECTION.. THE SELLER TOLD MY MOM ND SISTER HE WOULD HAVE HIS MECHANIC FIX IT WHICH THEY NEVER DID AND SINCE THEN HAS BEEN BEING SO RUDE AND DISRESPECTFUL TOWARDS MY MOM ND SISTER

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