What starts as a curious whisper—people disappearing in remote national parks—became the world of David Paulides, a former police detective turned amateur sleuth whose Missing 411 books turned him into a fixture of unexplained mystery. His story intertwines factual investigation, cryptid speculation, and controversy. Estimates place his net worth around $2 million by 2025; not a fortune by celebrity standards, but a testament to building a niche brand around the unexplained.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Paulides |
| Born | Likely late 1950s or early 1960s; date undisclosed |
| Birthplace | Columbia Falls, Montana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Age (2025) | Mid-60s estimated |
| Height / Weight | Not publicly available; described as average build |
| Occupation | Former police officer, investigator, author, documentary producer |
| Known For | Missing 411 book series and Bigfoot research |
| Estimated Net Worth | ~$2 million (growing from ~$1.6M in 2023) |
From Police Service to Mysterious Cases
Paulides spent his early career in law enforcement—starting in Fremont, later joining San Jose Police Department in the early 1980s, serving in patrol, SWAT, the Street Crimes Unit, and detective roles. His public record reveals a career that ended in controversy in 1996, when he was charged with falsely soliciting autographs under departmental letterhead, prompting his departure after roughly 16.5 years of service.
Birth of Missing 411 & Bigfoot Obsession
After leaving law enforcement, Paulides dabbled in the tech sector but soon turned toward fringe studies. He founded the research group North America Bigfoot Search and self-published DNA-driven Bigfoot books like The Hoopa Project and Tribal Bigfoot. Those efforts led him to the Missing 411 series—an investigative franchise documenting unexplained disappearances in wilderness areas.
The Missing 411 books were paired with documentaries—released starting in 2016—that brought his theories into the mainstream of paranormal and conspiracy culture.
Net Worth & Income Sources
His estimated net worth climbed from around $1.6 million in 2023 to about $2 million in 2025. This growth comes from a mix of revenue from book sales, documentaries, podcast and TV appearances, merchandise, and events tied to the Missing 411 brand.
Although the majority of his public presence centers around unexplained cases and cryptids, Paulides has built a steady income stream by monetizing his specialized brand, including speaking tours at conventions like Phenomecon and Bigfoot cruises.
Career Highlights and Controversy
Paulides isn’t just a writer—he’s a media presence. His work has featured on programs like Ancient Aliens, Unsolved Mysteries, and Coast to Coast AM while gaining traction on platforms like TikTok.
Yet skepticism runs high. Critics—including data analysts and Reddit communities—argue Paulides often leaves out mundane explanations, misrepresents facts, and uses emotional storytelling over rigorous evidence. Allegations include exaggerated law enforcement credentials and sensational narratives that undermine scientific credibility.
Personal Life & Privacy
Paulides keeps his personal life private. According to limited public sources, he had two children; sadly, his son Ben—who produced some of his documentary work—passed away in 2021.
He resides in Columbia Falls, Montana, running his nonprofit CanAm Missing Project, which tracks disappearance data and attempts to obtain information via Freedom of Information Act requests—often denied in over 70% of cases.
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Why His Story Resonates
Digital reach: From books to TikTok to film—and even themed events—he monetized audience fascination in multiple formats.
Mystery sells: Paulides converted complex cold cases into a multimedia brand combining crime, cryptozoology, and folklore.
Built on controversy: His fame is inseparable from the skepticism he attracts, yet that only fuels audience engagement.
DIY publishing pioneer: He self-published widely before becoming a documentary personality, showing niche marketing power.
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Conclusion
David Paulides isn’t a household name—unless you’re immersed in missing-person lore or Bigfoot theories. His approximate net worth of $2 million today is a reflection of decades in law enforcement, followed by self-driven content creation that thrives on mystery and public intrigue.
Whether seen as courageous investigator or controversial storyteller, Paulides remains a compelling figure—one whose success is built as much on narrative as on data.