In a shocking and tragic case that has rocked the nation, a woman accused of luring elderly men through dating apps, drugging them, and stealing their wealth is now facing 21 federal charges—including kidnapping resulting in death. According to the FBI in Las Vegas, at least four victims fell prey to this deadly romance scheme, with three losing their lives.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 43-year-old Aurora Phelps, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Mexico, who is currently in custody in Mexico as U.S. officials push for extradition. FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer Evans described the case as “a romance scam on steroids,” revealing that Phelps used prescription sedatives to incapacitate her victims before robbing them of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
One harrowing case detailed in the indictment alleges that Phelps sedated a man, transported him across the U.S.-Mexico border in a wheelchair, and took him to a Mexico City hotel room, where he was later found dead. Another victim miraculously survived after waking up from a coma, while others had their savings drained and assets stolen.
Authorities say Phelps strategically targeted vulnerable men on popular dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble. Under the guise of companionship, she went on multiple dates before slipping sedatives into their drinks or food. Once incapacitated, she seized control of their finances, withdrawing money, stealing luxury goods, and attempting to access social security and retirement accounts.
One victim, whom she met in 2021, was reportedly drugged for five days, during which she stole his personal belongings and attempted to liquidate $3.3 million worth of Apple stock. Another man, found dead in his home in Guadalajara, Mexico, was still being defrauded posthumously as Phelps made fraudulent transactions under his name.
The FBI has been tracking Phelps for years and believes there may be even more victims in both the U.S. and Mexico. Investigators have released information about her suspected aliases in hopes that others who fell victim to her scheme will come forward.
If convicted, Phelps faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. This horrifying case serves as a grim warning about the dangers of online romance scams—where trusting the wrong person can turn deadly.
