August 15, 2026 Issue, Page 10 of 10

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10• SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026 The Elk City News NEWS Teacher Appreciation Dinner Chamber Welcomes New Salon Oklahoma Department of Securities Warns Timeshare Owners of Resale and Cancellation Scams OKLAHOMA CITY, Aug. 10, When it becomes clear the sale fice, and the Federal Trade Com- Scammers often create a false 2026 – The Oklahoma Depart- will never close, the caller may mission to check for any com- sense of urgency. ment of Securities (ODS) is warn- pivot to a second scam, claiming a plaints or enforcement actions. Be wary of money back guaran- ing timeshare owners about a rise foreign government is offering res- Confirm the company’s address tees. in solicitations from companies titution funds to repay victims, but is valid, and meet a representative If seeking legal help to cancel and individuals falsely claiming to only after additional fees are paid. in person before agreeing to any- a timeshare contract, work only have buyers lined up for timeshare Some callers threaten legal action thing. Never finalize an agreement with a licensed U.S. attorney. Con- resales, or offering services to help for breach of contract, while oth- over the phone. firm the attorney is in good stand- cancel timeshare contracts. ers offer to refund the original fees Favor companies that collect ing with a state bar association, ODS has received numerous re- in exchange for one final payment. payment only after a timeshare ask about a free consultation, and ports from Oklahomans who have These scammers typically use sale or cancellation is complete. meet in person at a business office. lost money to these schemes. false identities and addresses, and Be skeptical of any company Oklahomans who believe they The scheme typically begins ask victims to wire fees to bank that asks for payment up front to have been targeted by a timeshare with a caller offering to purchase accounts overseas. Some have help recover money lost to a previ- resale or cancellation scam are en- a victim’s timeshare, often locat- used fake Oklahoma addresses ous timeshare scam. This is often a couraged to file a complaint with ed at a resort destination outside and phone numbers, or stolen the sign of a second scam targeting the ODS at securities.ok.gov or by the United States, for far more identities of legitimate companies same victim. calling 405-280-7700. than the owner originally paid. entirely. Never wire money to a foreign The Oklahoma Department of Once the victim agrees to sell, the ODS recommends the follow- bank account or pay by money or- Securities protects the investing caller introduces a series of fees, ing steps before working with der, cashier’s check, cryptocurren- public and maintains market in- including a transfer fee, a sales any company offering to resell a cy, or cash for a timeshare sale or tegrity through the administration commission, a fee to release a sup- timeshare or cancel a timeshare cancellation. and enforcement of Oklahoma’s posed government tax lien, and contract: Get all terms in writing, and securities laws. The Department an escrow fee. The caller tells the Research the company first. verify the names, addresses, and also educates investors about in- victim these fees are refundable at Search the company’s name services listed in any documents vesting and helps them learn to closing, but with each payment, a alongside the words “complaints” provided. Be cautious if that infor- identify and avoid securities fraud. new obstacle appears, along with a or “scam” and contact ODS, the mation is missing or hard to find. For more information, visit securi- new charge. Oklahoma Attorney General’s Of- Watch for pressure tactics. ties.ok.gov and investedok.org. This notice is for information- al and educational purposes only and reflects reported allegations; it Now Open in Weatherford is not a finding or determination by the Oklahoma Department of Same Week Appointments Available! Securities that any person or entity has violated the law. TIDBITS Continued from page 3 TENNIS The U.S. Open, which is the fi- Medical Dermatology nal major of the year, will begin next week (Aug 23). It is still a question on whether or not for- Skin Cancer Treatment mer champion Carlos Alcaraz will return to play! Dane Mitchell, MPAS, PA-C Aryna Sabalenka (active play- er with 4 majors) and Marti- na Navratilova (former #1 in Call (405) 653-9041 to the world with 18 majors) have both come up against transgen- schedule an appointment! der women playing in women’s sports. This is such a political is- sue that congressmen, senators, etc. have all been vocal about it, 519 E Franklin Ave, Weatherford, OK 73096 for and against. Who knows what The Elk City Chamber of Commerce held the annual Teacher Apprecia- tion Dinner on Monday, Sept. 10th, in the Civic Center. Teachers from will happen! Elk City, Merritt, Canute, Hammon, WOCS, and WTC. While the staff Sources ESPN , Google, MSN enjoyed a catered dinner, they watched their tickets to claim the many Sports, On-Line, local prizes donated by generous businesses and community members.