The Grayson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division has announced the arrest of Bryan Brundidge, 47, of Killeen, Texas, following an extensive investigation into a complex fraud scheme that allegedly defrauded elderly victims across the state of nearly $200,000.
Brundidge is believed to be connected to at least seven confirmed cases, with victims ranging in age from 65 to 91 years old. The scheme involved impersonating legitimate companies, fabricating urgent financial errors, and then dispatching co-conspirators to victims’ homes to collect large sums of cash under false pretenses.
The investigation revealed that the perpetrators utilized encrypted messaging applications like WhatsApp to coordinate their scams and conceal communications. Victims were often contacted through fake emails purporting to be from reputable companies such as PayPal. Scammers would then fabricate refund errors and pressure victims into withdrawing cash and handing it over to individuals who arrived at their homes.
The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to identify additional victims and co-conspirators. They urge the public to protect themselves from similar scams:
- Never trust unsolicited emails or calls requesting money or financial information.
- Do not allow strangers to access your devices remotely.
- Legitimate companies will never send someone to your home to collect money.
- Always verify suspicious contacts through official websites or customer service lines, not numbers provided in the suspicious email or call.
- Report suspicious contacts to your local law enforcement immediately.
If you or a loved one believe you may have been affected by this scam, you are encouraged to contact the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.
