An Oklahoma woman has been charged with laundering nearly $1.5 million derived from online romance scams, specifically targeting elderly women. The Oklahoma Attorney General, Gentner Drummond, announced the arrest of 53-year-old Christine Joan Echohawk on Monday, detailing her alleged involvement in a scheme that defrauded vulnerable individuals.
According to the Attorney General’s office, Echohawk is accused of laundering funds from victims across the country between September 30, 2024, and December 26, 2024. The scam primarily affected women aged 64 to 79, who believed they were engaged in genuine online relationships. Tragically, one victim was so convinced of the relationship that she sold her house to send a staggering $600,000 to the supposed scammer.
Drummond characterized these scams, which prey on the elderly, as particularly reprehensible. “These types of scams that target seniors are especially egregious,” he stated. The Attorney General praised his Consumer Protection Unit for its swift action in addressing the issue and pursuing justice for the victims involved.
Victims of the scam reportedly sent various forms of money to Echohawk, including cash, cashier’s checks, and even Apple gift cards. The suspected fraudulent activity first came to light when MidFirst Bank alerted the Attorney General’s office in January about a $120,000 transfer from a victim, raising concerns about possible fraud targeting seniors.
Further investigation revealed that Echohawk had been confronted by law enforcement in January 2024 regarding her suspected criminal activities. Despite this, she allegedly continued her illicit laundering activities for a short period following the confrontation. Authorities believe Echohawk was converting the stolen funds into cryptocurrency, sending the payments to an unidentified accomplice.
Echohawk is facing serious charges, including unlawful use of criminal proceeds and using a computer to violate state statutes. The combined charges could lead to a prison sentence ranging from 24 to 62 years, along with potential fines amounting to $260,000.
The Attorney General’s office has encouraged anyone who suspects fraudulent activity to report it to their Consumer Protection Unit at 833-681-1895 or via email at consumerprotection@oag.ok.gov. As scams targeting seniors become increasingly common, vigilance and prompt reporting are crucial in preventing further victimization.
This situation highlights a growing threat in the digital age, where criminals are finding new ways to exploit the innocence and trust of older individuals. Family members should stay vigilant and educate their loved ones about the risks of online relationships and financial transactions.
As our society evolves, it is vital to foster a culture of awareness and caution, especially for the most vulnerable among us. Authorities are working diligently to combat these deceitful practices and to hold perpetrators accountable, but the responsibility also rests on families and communities to protect their elders and ensure they are educated about potential scams.
The actions against Echohawk serve as a reminder that fraudulent schemes can have devastating effects on individuals and families. By staying informed and alert, we can work together to reduce the risk of such scams in our communities.
