A Hudson Valley man is accused of scheming and defrauding a number of Good Samaritans who were trying to help a desperate man in need. More victims are likely.

In January, members of the Ulster County Sheriff's Office began investigating complaints of motorists being approached by a man and a woman at local convenience stores.

The man would request to be driven to a location or sometimes several locations and then coerce the victims into giving him money, police say.

According to the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, in one case, 59-year-old Terry J. Monroe of Kingston approached someone in February and asked for a ride to his broken-down car. Once the pair arrived at a repair shop, Monroe said he needed money for his car to be released. He also falsely claimed he owned a local business and promised to repay the funds at the end of the day.

The victim unsuccessfully attempted to recover the funds over course of several weeks but was never given any money back, police say.

On Thursday, detectives found Monroe on Tremper Avenue in the City of Kingston and arrested him. He was charged with scheme to defraud and petit larceny, misdemeanors.

“The Ulster County Sheriff's Office cautions the public to scrutinize persons that solicit for transportation and money at local convenience stores and public area,” the sheriff’s office wrote on Facebook.

More victims are possible, police say. If you think you’ve been a victim of a similar case, call the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office right away.

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