Author: Danielle Antosz

A 31-year-old homeowner has found herself in a common modern-day dilemma: Should she stay put in a home she owns (with a great mortgage rate) or take the next step with her partner and buy a second home together?

Understandable if she didn’t want to sell — she’s owned her home for less than two years, the mortgage is locked in at 4.75% and her monthly payment, including taxes and escrow, is only $1,000. It’s a hard deal to walk away from.

But her boyfriend is ready to buy and move forward with their relationship. Now, she’s left wondering: Would it make more financial sense to rent out her home, co-buy a new place or sell and start fresh?

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If you’re in a similar situation — balancing homeownership with a new relationship (and the potential of increasing your real estate costs), here’s what to consider before making your next move.

Factors to consider before buying a home with a partner

Purchasing a second home is a big financial commitment that requires careful consideration. Take the time to assess the practical implications before you take the plunge. Here are a few questions to help you determine if buying a second home aligns with your financial and personal goals.​

Is the relationship solid?

Purchasing property with a partner is a big commitment. Unmarried couples should consider a cohabitation agreement, similar to a prenup, to outline ownership shares, financial responsibilities and procedures in case of a breakup. This legal document can help prevent disputes and protect both parties’ interests.​ But, if you have any misgivings about the relationship, purchasing a home together is not likely the best course of action.

What happens if you do get married down the line?

Women, in particular, should think carefully about maintaining financial independence when entering joint property ownership. If marriage is on the horizon, consider how that might affect ownership of the home. Do you plan to have children? If so, how might that impact your income and your ability to contribute to mortgage payments? Having these conversations now can help you determine if it’s a good idea.

Is renting worth it?

Turning your current home into a rental can offer passive income and long-term equity growth. However, it also introduces landlord responsibilities, potential vacancy risks and tax implications. Run the numbers before going this route. Assess the local rental market to determine if the potential income outweighs the costs. If you’re considering a management company, make sure you can afford it.

Do you have enough savings?

Owning two properties requires financial planning — and a strong financial standing. Ensure you have at least a six-month emergency fund, sufficient funds for a down payment and reserves to cover potential vacancies or maintenance issues in your first home. Lenders often require higher reserves for second homes, so assess your financial readiness carefully.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

How to prepare and protect yourself when buying a home with a partner

In some cases, it might make sense to buy a second home with a partner you aren’t married to. If you decide to take this route, here are a few steps to help reduce the risk and protect your financial future.

1. Discuss financial goals and responsibilities

Before house hunting, have an open conversation about your financial situations, including income, debts, credit scores and long-term goals. Decide how expenses like the mortgage, utilities and maintenance will be split.​ Talk about what will happen if you do break up.

2. Decide how you’ll hold the title

When purchasing property together, the most important step is deciding how the title will be held. The two main options include:​

• Joint Tenancy: Both partners have equal ownership, and if one passes away, the other automatically inherits the deceased’s share.​
• Tenancy in Common: Each partner owns a specific share of the property, which can be unequal. Upon death, the deceased’s share doesn’t automatically go to the surviving partner but is distributed according to their will or state laws.​

Choosing the right ownership structure is crucial, especially if either partner has children or other heirs. Consult with a real estate attorney to ensure your ownership structure works for your situation.

3. Plan for the future

Consider how life changes — like marriage, children or career moves — might affect your living situation. Discuss plans for refinancing, selling or renting the property in the future. Regularly revisit your agreement to ensure it still aligns with your circumstances.​

Buying a home with someone is a big step — both financially and emotionally. By being open, communicating clearly and putting agreements in writing, you can help protect your relationship and your financial future.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

In 2023, Emily Howell bid $1,026 on a 1996 GMC Sierra listed for auction by the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) — largely because the photos showed a kayak, fishing poles and a toolbox she was interested in.

But when the truck was delivered she says all those items were gone. Her experience now appears to be part of a larger problem at the LMPD tow lot, with employees having allegedly removed items from impounded cars before they went to auction. Howell calls it theft, but the law might not be so clear.

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"You don’t steal from people, you don’t take things that aren’t yours," Howell told WHAS11 News.

"Surely when you sign on for a job like that, you have to sign some paperwork that says, ‘Hey, we don’t steal from the community.’”

Tow lot employees caught on video

An internal police investigation found that civilian employees at the Louisville tow lot were captured on surveillance video taking items from cars slated for auction.

In footage from June 11, 2024, obtained by WHAS11, an on-duty lot attendant and a woman in street clothes can be seen walking through the "auction corral" and opening several vehicles. At one point, the lot attendant leaves the frame carrying a suitcase they did not enter with. Another employee is also seen rifling through other vehicles.

An LMPD spokesperson provided the following statement to WHAS11:

"The screenshots you provided depict two civilian tow lot employees taking items from vehicles in the LMPD tow lot prior to auction. When LMPD became aware of this incident last year, we immediately launched a criminal investigation through our Public Integrity Unit (PIU). The PIU conducted a lengthy investigation, reviewing surveillance videos and conducting interviews. Following this investigation, the PIU referred the case to the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office (JCAO), which ultimately recommended that criminal charges not be filed. After examining all the evidence, the JCAO determined a conviction on any criminal charge was unlikely. However, this case remains an open and active internal investigation within LMPD."

The county attorney’s letter, obtained by WHAS11, identified one man and one woman as the subjects of the investigation but did not provide specific reasons for declining to file charges.

At this time, it appears no employees have been fired or disciplined, reports WHAS11. And when asked for a statement by the news channel, LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey declined to comment on specifics, citing an ongoing internal investigation.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Who owns the contents of a car about to go to auction?

According to WHAS11, Kentucky law and Louisville Metro codes state that vehicles impounded for 45 days become government property. However, ownership of personal items inside the cars remains a gray area. Local ordinances allow original owners to retrieve personal belongings until the auction sale is finalized. After that, unclaimed items may become the property of the government or the buyer, depending on local policy.

This lack of clarity can create situations like Howell’s, where buyers assume the car and everything inside it will be theirs, only to find valuable items missing.

There is no federal law that clearly states whether personal items inside auctioned vehicles must be included in the sale. Federal auction partners typically sell items "As-Is/Where-Is", meaning buyers receive the vehicle and whatever is inside at the time of sale, unless the listing specifies otherwise.

Planning to buy an auctioned car? Here’s what you need to know

Buying a car at auction can sometimes feel like winning the lottery, but buyers need to do their homework to avoid disappointment.

1. Research local statutes

Understand who owns the car’s contents at auction. Some cities allow original owners to claim items up until the moment of sale; others may automatically include personal property with the vehicle.

2. Ask clear questions

If you are bidding on a vehicle because of specific items pictured inside it, like Howell did, contact the auctioning agency before placing your bid. Ask whether those items are guaranteed to come with the vehicle.

3. Get it in writing if possible

If an auction house or government agency says items are included, try to get that in writing. Verbal assurances may not hold up if disputes arise after the purchase.

4. Inspect if allowed

Some auctions allow potential buyers to inspect the vehicles in person or virtually. Use that opportunity to check for the items you are interested in and clarify any doubts.

5. Manage your expectations

Auction vehicles, especially impounded ones, are typically sold as is. Personal items, even if pictured, may not be guaranteed to be included when you purchase.

While federal auctions typically include everything inside the vehicle unless noted otherwise, state and local rules can vary widely. If you’re bidding on a car for what’s inside it, be sure to ask questions and read the fine print, because once the gavel drops, what’s missing may be gone for good.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

More than 573,000 California homes are now covered under the state’s FAIR Plan — a “last resort” insurance program that’s become anything but optional.

After January’s wildfires caused an estimated $131 billion in damages — of which only $45 billion was insured — frustrated homeowners are demanding answers.

Dozens of them have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County, accusing major insurers of “nefarious conspiracy” to drop coverage in fire-prone areas and push people into the FAIR Plan, which has high premiums and limited protections.

The plaintiffs are seeking a jury trial and triple damages, and their claims could reshape the already fragile insurance market in California.

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What do the lawsuits allege?

The lawsuit accuses dozens of insurance companies — including household names like State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, and subsidiaries of Berkshire Hathaway — of coordinating a “group boycott” in high-risk fire zones.

Homeowners claim insurers illegally worked together to pull out of wildfire-prone regions, leaving families scrambling for basic coverage. According to the suit, this wasn’t just about risk — it was about profit. By cutting off access to private coverage, the complaint argues, insurers could funnel policyholders into the FAIR Plan, which they jointly own and manage. That plan, while meant to be a safety net, places a heavier burden on consumers with higher premiums and reduced protections.

Attorney Robert Ruyak, who filed the complaint on behalf of the homeowners, told NBC News that the FAIR Plan had become a tool for insurers to limit their liability. Because insurers can recoup some losses through premium hikes on the FAIR Plan, they allegedly had a financial incentive to shrink the private market.

“They knew that they could force people, by dropping insurance, into that plan which had higher premiums and far lower coverages. They realized that they could take this device, which is to protect consumers, and turn it into something that protected them,” Ruyak said.

The FAIR Plan was created by California lawmakers in the 1960s to ensure homeowners in high-risk areas could still get fire insurance. It’s not funded by taxpayers but rather by insurance companies operating in the state, which are also responsible for running and managing the program.

That’s key to the lawsuit. Because insurers collectively manage the FAIR Plan, the plaintiffs argue they had both the power and financial motivation to steer customers into it. The plan limits their exposure to catastrophic wildfire losses, while allowing them to raise premiums if losses occur. However, it offers homeowners bare-bones coverage and often requires an additional private policy, leaving many families underinsured when disaster strikes.

However, insurance expert Karl Susman doesn’t think the court will find collusion.

"Insurance companies compete; they don’t collude…. It’d be like having a bunch of restaurants, and one of them finds out there’s an ingredient making people sick. They’re not running around to other restaurants saying, ‘Go ahead and use it — maybe you’ll get more people sick and they’ll get more business.’" Susman told NBC.

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The lawsuit is a symptom of California’s continuing insurance crisis, which is likely to worsen in the coming years.

A 2023 NBC News analysis estimated that one in four U.S. homes may be at risk of a “climate-induced insurance shock,” where rising premiums or dropped policies leave people without protection. As climate change fuels more frequent and destructive fires, homeowners across California — and beyond — are finding it harder to get traditional coverage.

Struggling to get insurance? Here’s what to do

With private insurers pulling out of fire-prone areas, many California homeowners are left scrambling for options. While the FAIR Plan has its flaws — and is now under legal scrutiny — it may still be better than going without coverage entirely.

Here are a few tips for navigating the crisis:

1. Shop around and work with a broker:

Don’t assume one denial means you’re out of options. Shop around. Independent brokers may be able to help you find a specialty insurer that is still writing policies in your area. Consider small insurance companies, or one limited to military members and their families, like USAA, if this option is available to you.

2. Fireproof your home — and document it:

New legislation in California aims to reward homeowners who reduce wildfire risks. Known as AB 226, the law will allow insurers to offer discounts for fire mitigation efforts, such as clearing brush, installing ember-resistant vents, or using fire-resistant roofing. These efforts could not only lower premiums but also make your home more insurable.

3. Consider hybrid coverage:

Many homeowners combine a basic FAIR Plan policy with supplemental coverage from a surplus-lines insurer to get more complete protection. It may be more expensive, but it’s often the only way to fully insure a home in high-risk zones.

4. Don’t let your policy lapse:

If you have insurance, do everything you can to keep it. A lapse — even a short one — can make it much harder to get reinsured.

While the lawsuits raise serious questions about how the FAIR Plan is being used, most experts agree it’s still a vital safety net — especially as new regulations and legislative fixes are passed through the system. “We just have to stand by and hope things will get better with these plans they have coming,” Susman said.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

When Jen Gressett’s 18-year marriage ended in 2018, she didn’t just need a new place to live — she needed a fresh start. But after selling her 3,000-square-foot home near Boulder, Colorado, she found that traditional housing options were simply out of reach financially.

So she got creative. Inspired by the tiny home trend she’d seen on social media, Gressett decided to build her own compact dream home from the ground up.

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Today, she lives in a 520-square-foot luxury tiny home on wheels parked in someone’s backyard. Her $725 monthly housing cost covers rent, utilities, internet and water — a far cry from the expense of her previous home. While downsizing was initially a daunting idea, it’s now what she says makes her feel more content than ever.

“When I lived in the bigger house, I’d constantly buy things that I never ended up using,” she told CNBC. “They took over drawers and spare closets. Our basement looked like a junkyard.”

How less space leads to less stress

Like many people considering a downsized lifestyle, Gressett was initially overwhelmed by the idea of getting rid of most of her belongings. Her biggest fear? Not having enough room.

But she quickly learned that much of what she owned wasn’t actually serving her.

“I had a walk-in closet full of clothes and shoes, but I realized I only wore about 30% of them,” she said.

She donated eight large trash bags full of items and felt immediate relief. Since then, she’s changed her mindset. If something doesn’t have a designated place in her home, she simply doesn’t buy it.

That shift also changed how — and where — she shops. Gressett used to rely heavily on Amazon. Now, she makes a conscious effort to buy locally, cutting down on packaging waste and supporting small businesses. She’s even shrunk her trash output dramatically: from wheeling out a dumpster-sized bin every week to managing with just a 13-gallon kitchen trash can and an equally small recycling bin.

Despite the limited space, her home still supports the lifestyle she loves. The kitchen is the largest part of the house and includes clever built-ins like pull-out cabinets and hidden compartments. It’s where she cooks homemade pasta with her kids and entertains friends — up to five at a time.

And cleaning? It now takes less than an hour.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Want to go tiny? Here’s what to consider

Gressett’s lifestyle works for her — but that doesn’t mean a 520-square-foot home on wheels is right for everyone. Before downsizing consider:

• Your family size and lifestyle: If you have kids or live with a partner, think about how much private space you’ll need. Will everyone be able to work, sleep and unwind comfortably?
• Your hobbies and work setup: Are you a remote worker like Gressett, who uses her dining table as a desk? Or do you need a dedicated office space?
• Your storage needs: Downsizing requires a major purge. Ask yourself if you’re ready to part with items that may have sentimental value or long-term utility.
• Your budget and goals: Tiny homes can be cost-effective in the long run, but up-front costs (like Gressett’s $175,000 build) can be steep. If you’re renting a tiny home, factor in location and amenities.

Smaller homes generally mean lower utility bills, less maintenance and reduced consumption too. Gressett’s $725 monthly housing cost is drastically lower than the average rent in Boulder, which hovers around $2,300 — saving her more than $1,500 a month. Over time, those savings add up.

And it’s not just the rent. By limiting impulse shopping, she’s been able to cut back on unnecessary spending — boosting her savings and peace of mind at the same time. Downsizing is as much a mental shift as a physical one. For Gressett, it’s been a pathway to gratitude, simplicity and independence. Her advice to anyone curious about tiny living?

“Start by asking yourself where you spend most of your time, and focus on that first.”

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Megan Hunt has two jobs — one as a Nebraska state senator and another as the owner of a small art and stationery shop called Shop Five Nine in Omaha. The brightly painted store is filled with racks of cards, notepads, and art supplies. Some days, you might even spot the store’s resident tabby cat lounging in the window.

"What I really like about this work is sourcing," Hunt told KETV News. "Finding makers and designers from all over the world who have something unique that maybe people in this neighborhood haven’t seen before."

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But in mid-April, she was stunned to receive a $1,108 tariff bill for goods she imported from Japan — far higher than the $70 to $100 she typically pays for imports.

"It’s so frustrating," she said.

"So many Nebraskans can relate to this — just when you start to get ahead — you get hit with a big bill."

How Hunt is handling the tariffs

Since Hunt placed her order, the tariff situation has shifted. President Donald Trump initially announced 24% tariffs on Japanese imports, but that figure was later reduced to 10% amid a temporary 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs.

Still, the timing meant Hunt’s order fell into the higher bracket.

"This tariff bill was not something I planned for," she told KETV reporters. "It’s a surprise."

Hunt said she doesn’t plan to raise prices. Instead, she’s leaning into selling more merchandise to offset the added expense.

"To me, it’s the cost of doing business," she said. "I expect to pay duties on things I import from other countries. But I’ve never seen anything like this before."

Despite the setback, Hunt remains optimistic about global trade.

"I think global trade is a great thing," she told KETV.

"I’ll always support American manufacturing. I will always support anything that supports jobs here at home, but we have to look bigger than that and realize there’s a lot of beautiful things in this world and we shouldn’t be deprived of those things."

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

How to prepare your small business for tariffs

Tariffs can hit small businesses hard, and sudden shifts in trade policy only add to the challenge. Here are a few ways business owners can prepare for unpredictable tariff costs.

Adjust pricing, carefully

Raising prices can help cover increased costs, but it’s a balancing act. Higher prices can drive away customers, especially in competitive markets. Instead of blanket increases, consider small, strategic adjustments on select products where demand is strong.

Lean into marketing

Boosting marketing efforts can help grow your customer base and drive more sales — offsetting the pinch from higher costs. Focus on telling your brand story, highlighting unique products and building customer loyalty through email campaigns, social media promotions and in-store events.

Look for local sources, where possible

Sourcing products closer to home can reduce exposure to international tariffs. While not every product can be swapped for a domestic equivalent, even partial shifts in your inventory can soften the financial impact.

Get creative

Now might be the time to introduce new product lines, bundle items into themed gift baskets or experiment with subscription boxes to increase revenue. Innovation can not only drive sales but also keeps customers excited about your offerings. For example:

• A stationery store could offer curated ‘Mother’s Day Writing Kits.’
• A home goods shop might create ‘Seasonal Decor Bundles.’
• A specialty food store could build ‘Gourmet Snack Subscriptions.’

With trade negotiations in flux and tariffs changing quickly, it’s wise to build flexibility into your business plan. Watch trade news closely, talk to your suppliers about potential risks and consider setting aside a small financial cushion for unexpected import fees.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Suppose you’re 24 and earning a steady salary for the first time in your life.

Your goal is clear: save $10,000 per year and eventually buy a house. But like many in their 20s, you’re unsure whether you should prioritize retirement savings or homeownership.

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Max out my IRA now or put all my savings toward buying a home? It’s a question increasingly common among young adults navigating early financial decisions.

It’s not a stupid question at all. In fact, it’s a smart one — and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

Here’s a closer look at the tradeoffs of investing in retirement early versus saving aggressively for a home.

Pros and cons of maxing your IRA

Opening and contributing to an IRA in your early 20s is one of the most powerful moves you can make for your long-term financial security. Thanks to the magic of compound growth, even small contributions made early can grow into significant savings by retirement.

Upsides of maxing your IRA

• Early growth = less pressure later. A dollar saved in your 20s has decades to grow. For example, if you invest $6,000 at age 24 and earn an average annual return of 7%, that single contribution could grow to nearly $45,000 by the time you’re 65.

• Tax benefits. Depending on the type of IRA you choose, you could see tax advantages now (traditional IRA) or in retirement (Roth IRA).

• Flexibility with Roth IRAs. If you choose a Roth IRA, you can withdraw your contributions (not your earnings) at any time without taxes or penalties. That gives you some wiggle room if you later decide to use the money for a down payment.

That said, using an IRA as a piggy bank for home savings isn’t ideal — and comes with major risks.

Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Downsides of maxing your IRA

• Market volatility. Unlike a high-yield savings account, your IRA is invested in the market. If you plan to buy a home in the next few years, a market decline could drop your savings just when you need them. Remember, with investments, you don’t truly "lose" money until you withdraw.

• Retirement money should stay retirement money. Even if you technically can pull Roth contributions early, you shouldn’t unless you absolutely have to — if, say, you’re facing eviction or medical emergencies. The earlier you raid retirement accounts, the harder it is to rebuild your savings.

• Complex withdrawal rules. While the IRS does allow you to withdraw up to $10,000 from an IRA for a first-time home purchase without penalty, it only applies under certain conditions and may still involve taxes.

The takeaway? An IRA is a powerful tool for long-term financial growth but it’s not a substitute for a short-term house fund. Use it to set up your future, not to float your present.

Other factors to consider

Before deciding whether to max out your IRA or focus on a home down payment, it’s important to look at the full financial picture. Buying a house matters but so does your financial foundation.

• 1. Do you have an emergency fund? If you don’t have at least three months of expenses saved, hitting pause on both home and retirement savings might be smart. An emergency fund protects you from dipping into retirement accounts or taking on debt when life throws you a curveball.

• 2. What’s your timeline for buying a home? If your goal is to buy a house in the next three years, your savings strategy should be conservative. A high-yield savings account or short-term CD may be better than investing the money, since it avoids market risk. But if homeownership is five or more years away, splitting your savings between a Roth IRA and a house fund could make sense.

• 3. Are you carrying high-interest debt? Paying down credit cards or other high-interest loans can offer a guaranteed return — often more than you’d earn investing. It also improves your credit score, which can impact the mortgage rate you’ll pay when you do buy a home.

• 4. Are you taking advantage of employer retirement plans? If your job offers a 401(k) match, prioritize that before the IRA. It’s essentially free money your employer is contributing to your retirement. After that, any leftover savings can be divided based on your goals.

• 5. Why is buying a home important to you? Buying a home is a major milestone, but it’s not the only one. Saving for retirement in your 20s means you won’t have to play catch-up later. On the flip side, if owning a home will provide stability, reduce rent costs, or serve as a stepping stone toward building equity, it may be worth focusing on.

Ultimately, there’s no perfect answer. But if you’re asking these questions now, that’s not a sign you’re on the right track.

What to read next

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

ATMs across Harris County, Texas, have been spitting out cash like slot machines — but no bank accounts have been compromised. In just four days, nearly a quarter of a million dollars vanished from local ATM machines, which investigators are calling a first-of-its-kind cyber theft in the region, according to KPRC 2.

The culprits are a group of alleged criminals who use a sophisticated hacking method known as “jackpotting." This method allows thieves to virtually manipulate ATMs into dispensing cash without recording a transaction. According to Houston police, the group has ties to a larger criminal network operating out of Russia.

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“There are other types of theft from ATMs that happen, but nothing like this,” Detective Roger Collins of the Houston Police Department told KPRC 2, who’s been tracking the case alongside the U.S. Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force. “It was never something that could be done remotely.”

The scale of the case and international ties have raised concerns about the rise of cyber-enabled financial crime.

“They’re getting better every day,” Collins told KPRC 2. “This is not going to be an isolated incident. This is not the last place it’s going to happen.”

But how does the scheme work and what precautions should Americans take, if any?

How ATM jackpotting works

Jackpotting is a type of ATM fraud in which criminals manipulate machines to dispense cash without affecting any bank accounts. Unlike traditional theft, which typically involves physical break-ins or stolen cards, this method combines physical access with remote hacking — often coordinated from overseas.

Collins, who’s been working the case for months, told KPRC 2, “Someone has taken a lot of time to learn how to compromise and overtake these systems from a long way away.”

Authorities say the suspects include several Ukrainian nationals and non-U.S. citizens from Russia. The group allegedly hit 70 ATMs in cities across Texas, including Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. Surveillance footage obtained by KPRC 2 shows individuals at the machines appearing deeply focused on their phones — likely part of the method used to carry out the withdrawals.

Investigators believe the operation is led by a “big boss” based in Russia. According to Collins, the process starts with a simple ATM receipt. The scammers either pull one from a trash can or print a balance slip, then snap a photo and send it to an accomplice abroad who launches the hack remotely.

That signal allows them to override the ATM’s functions, making the machine think a routine transaction was canceled, even though cash is already being dispensed.

“They just keep doing it over and over until it can’t spit money out no more,” Collins said.

Seven people have been charged so far, reported KPRC 2. Two were arrested in Harris County, two are in custody in Miami, one was picked up in Las Vegas and extradited and two remain wanted.

The suspected U.S. coordinator, Vitalii Moravel — an alleged Ukrainian war refugee on a humanitarian visa — is also facing related charges in Georgia and Florida.

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How to avoid falling victim to ATM fraud

While ATM owners — often small businesses — are the direct victims of jackpotting, consumers should still be cautious when using ATMs. Other types of ATM fraud, such as skimming and card cloning, are more likely to affect individual bank accounts.

Here are a few tips for avoiding ATM fraud.

• Stick to secure ATMs. Use machines located in well-lit, high-traffic areas, preferably inside bank branches or trusted businesses.
• Inspect ATMs for skimmers before you use them. Look for loose or bulky attachments on the card reader or keypad. Wiggle the card slot (it should feel secure). If anything looks off, walk away.
• Never withdraw money in response to an unexpected call, text or email. No legitimate bank or law enforcement agency will ever ask you to do this.
• Use your bank’s mobile app to set up withdrawal or transaction alerts. These can notify you immediately if your card is used and can help you spot unauthorized activity faster.
• Consider using contactless payment options, like Apple Pay or Google Pay. This can reduce your exposure to compromised machines and prevent skimmers from stealing your data.

Fortunately, the jackpotting scheme allegedly doesn’t affect your personal account if it’s used to facillitate a scammer’s withdrawal, but it acts as a good reminder to try and prevent other fraudulent activity that can.

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• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

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.

What to read next

• Don’t have the cash to pay Uncle Sam in 2025? You may already be eligible for a ‘streamlined’ handshake with the IRS — here’s how it works and how it can potentially save you thousands
• Robert Kiyosaki warns of a ‘Greater Depression’ coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 ‘easy-money’ assets will bring in ‘great wealth’. How to get in now
• Here are 5 ‘must have’ items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.