A Las Vegas woman has been accused of orchestrating a high-stakes romance scam that allegedly drugged, robbed, and even led to the deaths of multiple victims. Federal authorities say 43-year-old Aurora Phelps used online dating platforms, including Tinder, to lure older men into a sophisticated scheme that spanned from the U.S. to Mexico… raking in hundreds of thousands of dollars and leaving a trail of devastation.
According to a 21-count federal indictment, Phelps is charged with wire fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping resulting in death. Prosecutors allege she preyed on vulnerable men, gaining their trust before sedating them with prescription drugs to incapacitate them.
Once her victims were under the influence, authorities say Phelps stole their belongings, drained their bank accounts, and even attempted to access Social Security and retirement funds.
The scheme, which ran from July 2021 to December 2022, reportedly involved millions of dollars in stolen assets, including luxury purchases and gold investments.
Authorities claim one of Phelps’ victims was kidnapped, drugged, and smuggled in a wheelchair across the U.S.-Mexico border. He was later found dead in a Mexico City hotel room. Another victim allegedly ended up in a coma after being sedated, and in total, at least three men linked to Phelps have died.
While Phelps is currently in custody in Guadalajara, Mexico, the FBI and U.S. officials are working on her extradition to face charges in the U.S.
The FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office believes there could be additional victims across the U.S. and Mexico. Authorities urge anyone who may have been targeted by Phelps to come forward.
“If convicted on all charges, Phelps could face life in prison,” said Special Agent Spencer Evans. “This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of online dating and the risks of trusting strangers too soon.”
Law enforcement officials warn online daters to stay vigilant, thoroughly vet potential matches, and avoid sharing financial information.
With the case still unfolding, questions remain: How many victims are out there? And will justice be served?
