A top motoring expert has warned used car buyers of an old-fashioned scam that is growing in popularity and puts one in 50 drivers at risk each year.

While the used car market is full of bargains and honest models, the vehicle history check service is carVertical warned that some less reputable dealers may be inclined to clock models in their front yard.

Matas Buzelis of carVertical warned that the traditional scam still catches many drivers, often resulting in them paying significantly more for the affected vehicle.

He warned: “UK drivers are paying too much for clocked cars to the tune of more than three quarters of a billion pounds a year.

“This fraudulent practice is not only conning them out of their hard-earned money, it’s conning them into buying a car that has traveled many more miles than they realize.”

Clocking, or the process of adjusting the stated mileage of a vehicle, is usually done by rouge car dealers to make the model look more desirable to potential customers, helping to increase demand.

In many cases, clocking can also help sellers get more for the vehicle, with duped buyers paying an average of £4,758 more for vehicles with a hidden history.

As a result, this is surprisingly common, with carVertical estimating that around 2.1 percent of vehicles sold each year have a dishonest mileage on the odometer, with the figure rising for older models.

To avoid being scammed by a clocked car, Matas advised potential buyers to use a history check service, where many can assess a wide range of documents to confirm whether the claimed mileage is valid.

He advised: “Vehicle history checks provide valuable insight into whether a car’s mileage has been tampered with, as well as highlighting other potential issues such as damage and any outstanding finance.

“Data helps buyers assess the condition of a car and makes the purchase decision easier than ever before.”

Likewise, when looking at a used car, drivers should check that the overall condition of the vehicle matches the recorded mileage.

Vehicles that have traveled a shorter distance should have fewer signs of exterior wear, such as paint fading, hood chips, and bumper scratches.

Inside, motorists should also look for plastics that have become glossy from wear, especially focusing on frequently held parts like the steering wheel and gear lever, and tears in the upholstery.