Edmonton Man Charged with Odometer Fraud in Used Vehicle Sales

Edmonton Man Charged with Odometer Fraud in Used Vehicle Sales

Edmonton police have charged a 39-year-old man in connection with a case of odometer fraud related to used vehicle sales. The suspect, Harmandeep Singh Bindra, is accused of deceiving buyers into believing they were purchasing vehicles with significantly lower mileage than the actual total. As a result, he faces charges of fraud and uttering a forged document.

Details of the Odometer Fraud Case

According to the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), Bindra allegedly purchased several high-mileage vehicles on Facebook Marketplace starting in March 2025. He is said to have altered the odometers by hundreds of thousands of kilometers before reselling these cars at inflated prices. Reports indicate that he used a fake Facebook account to carry out these transactions.

Use of Fake Documentation

In addition to tampering with the odometers, Bindra reportedly provided prospective buyers with counterfeit CARFAX reports to support his claims about the vehicles’ mileage. This fraudulent activity raised significant concerns among law enforcement.

Police Investigation and Community Warning

The Edmonton police received a tip regarding the fraud on March 13. Although investigators have identified two victims so far, they believe numerous other individuals may have fallen prey to Bindra’s schemes.

Advice for Vehicle Buyers

Constable Amelia Towns from the EPS southwest patrol branch emphasized the importance of thorough research before making significant purchases like vehicles. “A CARFAX report will tell you the service history and any collisions the vehicle has been in. The small investment in this report may save you from the significant inconvenience of being scammed,” she stated.

Vehicle Models Involved

The investigation revealed that Bindra primarily targeted popular car models, notably:

  • Nissan Altima
  • Honda Accord
  • Honda CR-V

Aliases and Additional Information

Harmandeep Singh Bindra may also be known by various aliases, including Hary Smith, Harry Singh, and Gurdev. It is important to note that the allegations against him have not yet been tested in court.

This case serves as a crucial reminder for potential car buyers to exercise caution. Proper verification through reliable sources like CARFAX can help avoid falling victim to similar fraud schemes in the future.