A 70-year-old Royse City woman nearly lost a total of $85,000 in a phone scam before Royse City Police Department officers intervened, arrested the suspect, and recovered the stolen cash in a coordinated effort involving the Mesquite Police Department.
On Thursday, June 12, 2025, the victim reported receiving a phone call from a person claiming to be an investigator with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The caller told her that her bank account had been compromised as part of a money laundering investigation and that she needed to immediately withdraw $35,000 in cash and turn it over to law enforcement for "safekeeping" while the alleged investigation was conducted.
Trusting the caller, the woman complied. After withdrawing the money, a man arrived at her home in Royse City and took possession of the cash.
The following day, Friday, June 13, the woman informed a family member about the suspicious transaction, who then contacted the Royse City Police Department. While officers were at the victim’s residence taking the initial report, the same suspect called again and attempted to convince her to hand over an additional $50,000.
Officers and detectives worked quickly with the woman and her family to coordinate a controlled operation. A meeting was arranged under the pretense that she would provide the additional funds. At approximately 3:00 p.m., the same suspect who had picked up the cash the previous day returned to the woman’s residence — unaware that officers were lying in wait. He was taken into custody without incident.
The suspect was identified as 22-year-old Balinder Kumar, a resident of Mesquite, Texas. During questioning and evidence review, police determined that the original $35,000 in cash might still be at a residence in Mesquite. Officers from both Royse City PD and the Mesquite Police Department responded to that location, where they were able to recover the full amount of the stolen money.
Due to the victim’s age, the theft charges were enhanced under Texas law. Kumar is facing the following charges:
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Second-Degree Felony Theft for stealing $35,000 on June 12
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Third-Degree Felony Attempted Theft for the attempted $50,000 scam on June 13
Both charges will be filed with the Collin County District Attorney’s Office, as the victim resides within the Collin County portion of Royse City. Kumar is an illegal alien and INS has requested an immigration hold.
Investigators believe this may not be an isolated case. Based on evidence collected, police suspect there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Authorities are urging anyone who recently received a call from someone claiming to be with the Federal Trade Commission — especially if they were told to withdraw cash or turn over money — to contact the Royse City Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 972-524-4776 or their local law enforcement agency.
Police also reminded the public that legitimate law enforcement or government agencies will never ask for cash to be delivered in person, mailed, or wired as part of an investigation. If anyone receives such a request, they are advised to hang up immediately and report the call.
