Woman Poses as a Man to Steal Over $1.5 Million in Romance Scam

Plus - Tax Day Tips to Avoid Scams

Author

Seth Combs
April 13, 2025

SENIOR SCAM ARREST
Woman Posed as a Man to Steal Over $1.5 Million in Romance Scam

According to Oklahoma officials, Jason Morris persuaded his online, elderly girlfriend to send him $120,000 to pay for an oil vessel carrying 700,000 barrels in Alaska he said he owned to return to shore. Once the rig returned, Morris promised they would move in together.

According to court documents, the bank was suspicious and held the funds. Morris instructed the woman to lie to her bank, saying the funds were for purchasing property and not for the alleged oil tanker.

But the bank was right to be suspicious— officials say there was never an Alaskan oil rig, and there was never a Jason Morris. Instead, it was a woman that was luring elderly women into a romance scam and stealing over $1.5 million from them.

It’s a heartbreaking reminder that not everyone online is who they say they are.

Christine Joan Echohawk (53), is facing serious charges for allegedly laundering more than $1.5 million in a scheme that targeted elderly women through online romance scams. The victims believed they were sending money to a male subject whom they thought they were in an online relationship with, according to a news release from Drummond’s office.

Drummond noted that one woman even sold her house so that she could send $600,000 to the scammer.

Lotts persuaded a woman to send more than $600,000 to pay off a debt that would allow $2 million to be released to "him." When the debt was paid off, Lotts would move in with her, the affidavit says. The victim sold her paid-off home to send all the money, it says.

Christine Joan Echohawk, 53

“These types of scams that target seniors are especially egregious,” Drummond said.

According to court documents, Christine Echohawk often pretended to be men—sometimes claiming to be deployed military members or wealthy businessmen—looking for companionship. Once they gained the trust of their victims, they convinced the women to send large sums of money, often under the pretense of an emergency, investment opportunity, or travel expenses to finally meet in person.

Prosecutors allege she used a web of bank accounts and fake business names to funnel the money. She’s accused of opening at least 13 bank accounts under fictitious company names, then swiftly withdrawing the funds or transferring them to others, including international accounts linked to the scam ring.

The victims also sent Apple gift cards, cash and cashiers’ checks as well as wired money to accounts owned by Echohawk at MidFirst Bank, according to the news release.

If convicted, Echohawk could face up to 20 years in prison.

This case is a stark reminder of how sophisticated online romance scams have become—and why it’s so important to stay vigilant. The FBI recommends watching for red flags like:

  • Online suitors who avoid video calls

  • Requests for money or financial help

  • Stories that involve urgent “emergencies” or expensive travel plans

If you or someone you know is engaging in an online relationship, especially with someone you've never met in person, it's wise to pause, do some research, and talk to a trusted friend or family member.

At Senior Scam Alerts, we’re committed to helping you stay informed and protected. Online love should never come at the cost of your financial safety.