Las Vegas woman accused of orchestrating deadly online romance scam against older men

A woman from Las Vegas, Aurora Phelps, is facing serious federal charges for allegedly running a romance scam that targeted older men through dating apps. Authorities say her scheme involved drugging victims to access their financial accounts, leading to multiple deaths and a series of fraud-related crimes. Phelps, 43, was arrested in Mexico in September 2023 and is now awaiting extradition to the United States. If convicted, she could spend the rest of her life in prison.

FBI warns of an elaborate and dangerous scheme

The FBI has described Phelps’ operation as one of the most dangerous romance scams they have ever seen. Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans called it a “romance scam on steroids,” explaining that while many scams focus on emotional manipulation, Phelps took it further by allegedly drugging her victims to gain control of their finances.

Her ability to deceive and exploit vulnerable people made her particularly dangerous, and investigators fear there may be more victims who have not yet come forward.

The investigation into Phelps’ actions has stretched across the United States and Mexico. She had homes in both countries and often traveled between them, making it harder for law enforcement to track her.

When she was finally arrested in Mexico, authorities discovered evidence linking her to multiple fraudulent activities. Now, federal prosecutors are working to ensure she faces justice in the U.S.

How Phelps targeted and exploited her victims

Federal investigators say Phelps used dating platforms like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble to meet men, most of whom were in their 60s and 70s. She would build relationships with them, gaining their trust before meeting them in person. Once face-to-face, she allegedly drugged her victims, stole their bank information, and drained their accounts. Some of these encounters ended in tragedy.

At least three men died after meeting her, and another vanished without a trace. In one case, she is accused of sedating a man and taking him to Mexico, where he was later found dead in a hotel room. Another was discovered lifeless on the floor of his home in Guadalajara, just days after spending time with Phelps.

Prosecutors say her crimes went beyond just stealing money. She also took luxury items, attempted to transfer large sums from victims’ investment accounts, and even tried to take control of their Social Security payments. One victim, a wealthy businessman, nearly lost millions in stocks before the fraud was detected. Another had his retirement savings wiped out.

Authorities encourage more victims to come forward

The FBI is urging anyone who may have been targeted by Phelps to step forward. Investigators have set up a special hotline and website where victims can provide information confidentially. They are also looking into whether she had accomplices who may have helped her carry out the crimes.

Many victims of romance scams are hesitant to report what happened because they feel ashamed or embarrassed. However, authorities stress that these scams are highly sophisticated and can happen to anyone. By sharing their experiences, victims can help build a stronger case and prevent others from falling into similar traps.

This case serves as a warning about the dangers of online dating, particularly for older adults who may be more trusting or vulnerable to deception. Scammers often create a false sense of intimacy, moving quickly to gain trust before making financial requests or stealing personal information. Experts say these types of scams are becoming more common, with criminals constantly finding new ways to exploit people emotionally and financially.

How online dating scams are evolving

The tactics used by romance scammers have changed over the years. Many now use artificial intelligence to generate convincing messages, making it even harder to spot fraudulent behavior. Scammers often target people who are lonely, recently divorced, or grieving a loss, as they may be more open to forming new relationships.

Phelps’ case is particularly alarming because she allegedly took romance fraud to a more dangerous level. Instead of simply asking for money or tricking victims into giving her access to their accounts, she physically harmed them.

Authorities believe she used sedatives that made her victims weak or unconscious, allowing her to steal from them without resistance. In some cases, these drugs may have contributed to their deaths.

The growing threat of online romance scams

Online scams targeting lonely or isolated individuals have been on the rise in recent years. The FBI reports that romance scams cause hundreds of millions of dollars in losses every year, with many victims losing their life savings. The rise of dating apps has made it easier for scammers to find targets, and many of them operate internationally to avoid prosecution.

Law enforcement officials say that stopping these types of crimes requires both awareness and caution. People who engage in online dating should be mindful of red flags, such as individuals who move too quickly in a relationship, ask for money, or refuse to meet in person under normal circumstances. Regularly checking financial accounts for suspicious activity and staying informed about common scams can also help prevent fraud.

The story of Aurora Phelps is a disturbing example of how online scams can escalate into real-life danger. It serves as a reminder for people to stay cautious when forming relationships online, no matter how convincing someone may seem.