Fraud Investigator Elaine Dodd honored

The Attorney General’s Office today honored Oklahoma Banking Fraud Investigator Elaine Dodd with the 2013 Brad Edwards Consumer Champion Award for her work on behalf of Oklahoma seniors and defrauded customers.  Dodd, of Edmond, is the vice president of the fraud division at the Oklahoma Bankers Association. The division is the only banking association fraud division in the nation.

“Elaine’s dedication to educating seniors, bankers and customers about fraud is an inspiration to all of us who serve and vow to protect our citizens,” Attorney General Scott Pruitt said.

"She has made a significant contribution to the education and awareness of older and at-risk Oklahomans to help protect them from exploitation. This honor is well-deserved,” Pruitt added.

Dodd began her career as the first female agent for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. In 1992, she became the nation’s first female director of a statewide law enforcement agency as head of OBN. After working with Leadership Oklahoma for six years, Dodd joined the Oklahoma Bankers Association as head of their new fraud division.

In her nomination of Dodd, Lea Ann Jackson, chief operating officer for the Oklahoma Bankers Association, said Dodd goes beyond her required duties to help the community, including taking calls afterhours from worried Oklahomans.

“Because of her passion for the people of Oklahoma, Elaine insisted that her position evolve,” Jackson said. “She speaks to individuals during and outside of work hours and even when out of state on vacation to try to prevent them from becoming a victim or to minimize the damage.”

As part of her duties, Dodd travels the state talking to groups of seniors about how to avoid scams as well as training bank employees, accountants and other professionals on how to recognize fraud. She is a charter member of the Oklahoma Coalition Against Financial Exploitation of the Elderly and has helped organize and support groups of fraud investigators in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Lawton and Durant.

Dodd works with professional groups, the Attorney General’s Office and the FBI to tackle various aspects of fraud from lottery scams to high-level cyber fraud.

“Elaine Dodd embodies the true spirit of this award with her outstanding work to protect the elderly and vulnerable citizens,” said Tom Bates, First Assistant Attorney General. “We are happy to recognize Elaine and her contribution to help educate Oklahomans about consumer fraud.”

The Brad Edwards Consumer Champion Award is given each year to a deserving Oklahoman in honor of Brad Edwards, a consumer advocate in Oklahoma City for 25 years and host of KFOR-TV’s “In Your Corner” segment.

The winner is chosen based on exemplary and voluntary consumer service by initiating consumer advocacy programs, actively participating in such activities or taking significant action that protects or benefits Oklahoma consumers. The annual award announcement is held in conjunction with Oklahoma Consumer Protection Day at the State Capitol.