In December 2024, a man named Jason Morris persuaded his online girlfriend — a senior woman living in Oklahoma — to send him $120,000 to bring an oil vessel he supposedly owned back to shore. Once the tanker returned, Morris promised, the couple would move in together.
When the woman’s bank held the funds, likely over fraud concerns, Morris allegedly instructed her to lie — to tell the bank she was buying property, not funding a massive maritime rescue.
But Oklahoma officials say there was no oil rig, and there was no Jason Morris.
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According to authorities, the man behind the screen was actually 53-year-old Christine Joan Echohawk. The fake romance was part of a months-long scam that dispossessed four women between the ages of 64 and 79 of $1.5 million.
Here’s how the scam played out
According to a news release from Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, Echohawk created multiple online personas — Jason Morris, Edward Lotts and Glenn Goadard among them — to manipulate her victims into believing they were in committed relationships. Each alias came with an elaborate backstory and an urgent financial need.
One woman sold her paid-off home to send more than $600,000 to “Edward Lotts,” who promised to unlock a $2 million payout and move in with her once the funds were released. Another woman sent $250,000 to “Glenn Goadard,” who claimed he needed help managing a financial portfolio from Syria.
All of the money, officials say, ended up in bank accounts controlled by Echohawk. Authorities allege she laundered the funds through multiple accounts, converting some into cryptocurrency and sending it to unidentified recipients. She also received checks, wire transfers and tens of thousands of dollars in Apple gift cards.
The scam fell apart in January 2025 when MidFirst Bank flagged a suspicious $120,000 transaction. The Consumer Protection Unit within Drummond’s office launched an investigation and linked the payment — and several others — to Echohawk.
Echohawk first claimed she was also a victim, reported NBC News. However, when investigators searched her purse, they found multiple bank cards tied to accounts related to the scams, gift cards, and deposit slips for $110,000. Echohawk faces four counts of unlawful use of criminal proceeds and one count of violating the Oklahoma Computer Crimes Act. If convicted, she could spend up to 62 years in prison and face $260,000 in fines.
“I applaud the work of my Consumer Protection Unit to fight for these victims and to hold accountable their alleged perpetrator," Drummond said in the news release.
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How to avoid falling for romance scams
According to the FBI, romance scams — also called confidence scams — often target individuals who believe they’re in a relationship with someone they’ve met online. Scammers use emotion, trust and manipulation to convince their victims to send money, gift cards or personal information.
Here are a few ways to protect yourself or loved ones from romance scams:
Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. No matter how close the relationship feels, treat financial requests from online-only connections with extreme skepticism.
Research online friends or partners. Use online searches to verify their image, name or other details, and see if they’ve been used in other scams
Be wary of dramatic backstories. Stories involving oil rigs, military deployments or large inheritances are common red flags that you’re being scammed.
Don’t share personal financial information. Scammers may ask for bank details or offer to send you money — don’t fall for it.
Watch for inconsistencies. Romance scammers often use stolen photos and recycled scripts. If their story seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Listen to warnings. If your bank or another trusted financial advisor warns you of a scam, take a step back. These scams are often very elaborate — designed to trick you.
Talk to someone you trust if you’re suspicious. If you’re unsure about a relationship, confide in a trusted friend or family member. Outside perspectives can help spot red flags you might miss.
With awareness and the right amount of skepticism, you can help ensure you and your loved ones don’t fall victim to a romance scam.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
