The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has initiated a fraud investigation into an individual who is purporting to represent a children’s’ charity. The individual primarily solicits auto repair shops and small businesses.
Seven auto repair businesses in Okaloosa County have been identified as victims at this point in the investigation. One business has also been identified in both Walton and Citrus Counties respectively.
The investigation has revealed an individual using the fictitious name “Kyle Coburn” is asking for donations in exchange for advertising, claiming the proceeds are to benefit a children’s’ athletic charity.
The fraudster is using the charity name of Coaches4kids.org on business cards with an address in South Florida.
The actual charity of Coaches4kids.org is in the state of Pennsylvania. The founder of the charity has reported his charity does not solicit outside Pennsylvania and “Coburn” does not work or represent the charitable organization. The charity has not received any contributions from “Kyle Coburn” either. The founder of the Coaches4kids.org charity is concerned the fraudulent activities of “Kyle Coburn” may negatively affect the charity which benefits underprivileged youth. The investigation is ongoing.
Any Okaloosa County business that has been solicited by someone using the name “Kyle Coburn” is asked to contact Economic Crimes Investigator Les Wolthers in the OCSO Criminal Investigations Division at (850)-609-4065.
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