Tulsa attorney LaShandra Peoples-Johnson with Johnson-Cephas Law says victims of online scams in Oklahoma could be eligible to recover up to three times their losses through restitution.
Warning Signs of a Scam
Peoples-Johnson says common red flags include reluctance to meet in person, excessive declarations of love early in a relationship, frequent or urgent money requests, and inconsistencies in personal stories.
“One is a reluctance to meet in person, reluctance to show their face or to like want to meet you,” she said. “Also just an overabundance of ‘I love yous’ and quick moving in the relationship, asking for money frequently or quickly, and stories that sound too good to be true.”
When Does a Scam Become Illegal?
While scammers often use emotional manipulation, Peoples-Johnson says the crime occurs once money is exchanged.
“When they actually receive the money,” she explained. “So when they have actually committed the fraud—when you have sent them money and they receive it, you’ve given them personal information and they have used it in ill intent—that creates a deficit for you, then it becomes illegal.”
Legal Consequences for Scammers in Oklahoma
Victims should report scams to local authorities, Peoples-Johnson advises. Offenders can face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity of the crime…