Yes, a shutter count can sometimes be altered, but usually only with specialist service tools or technical know-how. A legitimate reset might happen after manufacturer service, especially if the shutter mechanism was replaced.

There’s also a much simpler explanation: many cameras do not add electronic/silent shutter shots to the mechanical shutter count. If the previous owner mostly used silent shutter, the reported count could stay very low even though the camera was used much more.

A practical check is to note the current count, take one photo with the normal mechanical shutter, then one with silent/electronic shutter, and compare the count afterward. If only the mechanical shot increases the count, that would explain the discrepancy.

So the low number is not proof of dishonesty by itself; it may reflect how the camera was used, or less commonly, a service reset.