Oklahoma woman charged in $1.5M romance fraud scheme targeting elderly women

An Oklahoma woman is facing serious charges after allegedly orchestrating a series of online romance scams that defrauded elderly women out of more than $1.5 million. The elaborate scheme, which targeted vulnerable victims across multiple states, has drawn the attention of state authorities and sparked renewed concern over internet-based financial fraud.

Christine Joan Echohawk, 53, is accused of using fake identities and emotional manipulation to convince her victims they were in genuine romantic relationships. According to investigators, her deceptive tactics led women to send her large sums of money—often through wire transfers, gift cards, or even by selling personal property—all under false pretenses.

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Oklahoma woman target elderly women in romance fraud

According to an affidavit, Echohawk posed as various men using fake identities such as "Edward Lotts," "Jason Morris," and "Glenn Goddard." In one instance, she allegedly convinced a woman to sell her fully paid-off home and send her $600,000, promising they would live together once a fictional debt was settled. In other cases, she reportedly persuaded victims to send large amounts of money—ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars—via wire transfers, cash, gift cards, and cashier's checks, often under the pretense of oil-related business ventures abroad.

The scam first came to the attention of law enforcement in January 2024, when Echohawk was questioned and claimed she was transferring money for someone she had met online. Though she briefly stopped, she allegedly resumed her activities months later. A tip from MidFirst Bank, which had flagged a suspicious wire transfer, helped authorities identify a pattern of elder fraud. Echohawk reportedly urged one of her victims to lie about the purpose of a payment when the bank raised concerns.

Investigators say Echohawk would convert the funds into cryptocurrency before sending them to an unidentified accomplice. She referred to the recipient as "Maurice Deniro," though authorities believe the name is likely an alias.

When questioned again in March 2025 by agents from the Attorney General’s Office, Echohawk asked if repaying the victims would make the case “go away,” according to the affidavit. She admitted to receiving various forms of money since 2023.

Echohawk was arrested on April 7 and is currently being held at the Pawnee County Jail. She faces four counts of money laundering and one count of using a computer to facilitate a crime. If convicted, she could face up to 62 years in prison and $260,000 in fines.

“These scams that exploit senior citizens are particularly cruel,” said Attorney General Drummond. “I’m proud of the work done by our Consumer Protection Unit to pursue justice for the victims and hold the accused accountable.”