Deadly Deception: Las Vegas Woman Accused of Drugging and Fleecing Men in Elaborate Romance Scam

A sinister romance scam that spanned across borders has landed a Las Vegas woman in custody in Mexico as U.S. authorities unveil a shocking federal indictment. Aurora Phelps, 43, is accused of using dating apps to lure men—primarily older victims—before drugging them, stealing their money, and in some cases, leaving them for dead.

Phelps now faces a 21-count federal indictment, including charges of kidnapping resulting in death, wire fraud, identity theft, and bank fraud, in what officials are calling “a romance scam on steroids.” The FBI, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada, detailed a disturbing scheme where Phelps allegedly sedated men to access their financial accounts, drained their assets, and even transported one victim across the border in his wheelchair—only for him to be found dead in a Mexico City hotel room.

Authorities believe the full extent of the crime may be far greater, with at least 11 known victims—four of whom serve as the basis for the indictment. Two of the deceased victims were from Nevada, while a fourth victim fell into a coma but miraculously survived. Officials say Phelps also targeted younger men and women under various aliases, including Aurora Flores, Aurora Velasco, and Aurora Alvarez.

Investigators allege that from 2019 to 2022, Phelps stole hundreds of thousands of dollars, accessing Social Security benefits and retirement accounts and purchasing luxury goods. Now facing extradition to the U.S., she could spend the rest of her life behind bars if convicted.

This case raises serious questions: How can Americans better protect themselves from online scams? Should there be tougher penalties for criminals who exploit vulnerable individuals? Authorities are urging potential victims to come forward, warning that similar fraud schemes could be lurking closer than people realize.

What are your thoughts on this case? Do you think online dating scams have become too easy for criminals to pull off? Drop your comments below.

Source: NBC News