Tulsa Reports Loss Of Nearly $200,000 From Email Hacking Scheme, FBI Investigating

The City of Tulsa has contacted the FBI to investigate a loss of $191,972 in an apparent email hacking scheme.

The loss happened during the transfer of tax funds collected from hotels and used to promote tourism, according to the City.

Taxpayers will have to pay the bill twice, with the legitimate payment to be collected from property taxes.

City of Tulsa spokesman Carson Colvin said the FBI was investigating.

“While we have not received any updates on the status of their investigation, we can confirm that the vendor email used to provide payment in this instance was hacked. The City has since strengthened its vendor change process as a result,” Colvin said.

He did not elaborate further.

City records explaining the second payment state that on April 4, 2024, the City “inadvertently deposited the sum of $191,972.52 into a counterfeit bank account, rather than the correct bank account for Tulsa Tourism District No. 1.

The City was unable to recover the funds, however, the City is contractually obligated to pay the sum to TID.

The City tapped the “sinking fund” that comes from property taxes through a lawsuit and settlement agreement that will be finalized with City Council approval Wednesday evening.