A Monroe County woman was bilked out of a large amount of cash in a social media scam operation. It was one of several incidents investigated by state police at Fern Ridge.

Troopers said on March 3 at 6:13 p.m. a 37-year-old woman from Brodheadsville, Chestnuthill Township, arrived at the barracks and reported she had recently been contacted on Facebook by an unidentified man, who falsely identified himself as a Brandon Maxwell.

The man claimed to be a member of the U.S. military currently serving overseas. The victim entered into what she believed to be a long-distance relationship with the suspect. She eventually provided him with access to her bank accounts and credit card.

The suspect made a false deposit of $20,096 into the victim’s account. The suspect then withdrew the money before the deposit could clear, leaving the victim with a total loss of $20,096. The money was charged to the victim’s credit card account.

Other incidents

On Feb. 2 at 12:57 p.m. troopers were dispatched to a residence along Edgewood Drive in Brodheadsville, for a theft report. Upon arrival troopers were told by the victims, a 58-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man, that $2,258.24 was taken from their Wells Fargo Bank account on Jan. 8.

A 92-year-old man from Effort reported someone opened a Verizon account with three lines in his name. He then received a bill for $1,621.87.

Anyone with information concerning any of these incidents is asked to call troopers at 570-646-2271.