for immediate release
October 16, 2001
N E W S R E L E A S E
Okaloosa County Sheriff Charlie Morris warns citizens of an apparent charity-related fund-raising scam. A Fort Walton Beach man reported he had pledged a $45 donation after receiving a telephone call from someone claiming to represent the VFW. A man then arrived to personally pick up the check, as the caller had stated.
The man picking up the check displayed what appeared to be an authentic VFW identification card, and drove a white Chevrolet 4-door with Florida tags. US Flags and patriotic T-shirts were seen inside the vehicle.
A check with local and state officials of the VFW organization has confirmed that method of fund-raising is not used by the VFW, and whoever telephoned and picked up the check is not legitimate.
Citizens should exercise caution in any dealings with solicitors, especially over the telephone.
Anybody with information about the individual perpetrating this apparent scam should contact the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office at 651-7400 or Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers at 863-TIPS (850-863-8477).
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for more information contact Rick Hord, Public Information Officer
(850) 651-7420