A cunning woman from Oklahoma allegedly defrauded elderly men and women of $1.5 million through a complex romance scam.
Quick Takes
- Christine Echohawk from Oklahoma is accused of defrauding seniors using fake online personas.
- The scam involved sophisticated plots and cryptocurrency laundering.
- Victims ages 64 to 79 lost substantial amounts, convinced they were aiding romantic partners.
- Echohawk could face up to 62 years in prison and substantial fines.
Alleged Romance Scam Overview
Authorities allege Christine Joan Echohawk, a 53-year-old woman from Oklahoma, scammed four elderly women out of $1.5 million over several months. Posing as various fictitious male personas, she reportedly created elaborate backstories to convince her victims they were investing in valid financial ventures. Her purported involvement in the scam was flagged after investigators noticed suspicious activity linked to cryptocurrency transactions.
Echohawk reportedly assumed male identities such as Jason Morris, Edward Lotts, and Glenn Goddard, conducting this fraudulent operation from April 2023. This type of deceit is classified by the FBI as a confidence or romance scam, a growing crime category that cost victims over $600 million in 2023 alone. Financial deception carried out by Echohawk purportedly involved bank-to-cryptocurrency laundering with funds then transferred to an alias, Maurice Deniro.
An Oklahoma woman accused of using romance scams to steal $1.5M from elderly women is now facing money laundering charges.
Investigators say she posed as several men to get cash, gift cards and wire transfers.đź”— Full story: https://t.co/RkQuJn4THz pic.twitter.com/Pq785dTD9X
— News 9 (@NEWS9) April 11, 2025
Unveiling the Deception
The victims, who resided outside Oklahoma, experienced significant financial losses, convinced by Echohawk’s intricate stories. Reports indicate large amounts were funneled for fictional purposes, such as a non-existent $120,000 oil vessel or $600,000 for settling a bogus debt. Her activities drew attention after Stillwater MidFirst Bank alerted authorities, leading to an investigation by the state’s Consumer Protection Unit.
“These types of scams that target seniors are especially egregious,” said Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond in a news release.
Echohawk’s fraudulent activities resumed after January 2024, with new identities and strategies, allowing her to continue her illicit operations until her arrest. She has faced severe charges for exploiting vulnerable seniors, resulting in charges including unlawful use of criminal proceeds and violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act.
Legal Proceedings and Impact
Currently held in Pawnee County Jail, Echohawk faces potential serious consequences, including up to 62 years in prison and $260,000 in fines. Evidence against her includes pressure tactics on victims to remit their finances in the form of cash, gift cards, and sizable cashier’s checks for non-existent romantic relations.
The Attorney General emphasized the implications of such scams on elderly populations and praised the efforts in unraveling Echohawk’s operations for accountability. While waiting for further legal procedures, her case spotlights the ongoing crisis and educates the public about the real threats posed by online deception.
