State agents have more resources to protect Oklahomans from online scams due to legislation passed this year.
A Senate Bill created a Cyber Crime and Fraud Unit at the OSBI to launch investigations beginning July 1st.
The unit’s head agent Lieutenant Adam York said the biggest threats in Oklahoma are crypto-related crimes and AI-generated text messages and emails.
“Cybercrime and fraud can have the same impact as other major crimes,” said York.
How scammers trick victims
York has seen just how devastating cybercrimes are on Oklahomans and said it happens every day.
“AI-generated text messages, emails they can make them look very real and will you, ‘Hey, you have a warrant, you have a bill, you didn’t pay your taxes,’” said York. “Things like that, it freaks people out thinking they owe this money, so they send them money, give access to their computers, access to their bank accounts.”
Wiping out someone’s life savings in seconds.
York said often times the scammers aren’t even in the United States.
“A lot of them originate overseas in Russia or China,” said York.
Training law enforcement across oklahoma
Overseas or local, York and other OSBI agents are part of a dedicated unit that will investigate crimes that exploit Oklahomans.
The unit will also train law enforcement agencies and prosecutors across the state on how to investigate cyber and financial fraud.
“Tell officers what they need to look out for, what information they need if someone comes and reports they were scammed,” said York. “That way they can address it or send it to help and assist.”
Working with banks to track trends
York said the unit will stay updated on the ever-evolving scams by working with banks and what trends banks are reporting.
York said a crypto-related scheme recently hit the county, including Oklahoma City, by stealing $1,000 at time from citizens.
The scammers got away with a total of $150,000,000.
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