'Romance scam on steroids': US woman accused of targeting older men in a deadly scheme

FBI officials in Las Vegas stated last Friday that a woman used online dating apps to lure at least four elderly men to meet, then sedated them with tranquilizers and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars, in what they called an "evil" romance scam. This case highlights the dangers lurking in the online dating world, especially for vulnerable individuals seeking companionship.

Authorities said that three of the victims have died, and the woman has been charged in connection with one of the deaths. Aurora Phelps, 43, currently detained in Mexico, faces 21 charges, including wire fraud, identity theft, and one count of kidnapping resulting in death, Nevada Acting U.S. Attorney Sue Fahami said at a news conference. The charges reflect the severity and complexity of the crimes committed.

"This is an escalated romance scam," said Spencer Evans, the FBI's Las Vegas Special Agent in Charge. Evans added that of the four victims targeted in 2021 and 2022, one woke up from a coma after Phelps gave him prescription tranquilizers for a week straight. This detail underscores the calculated and prolonged nature of Phelps's deception.

In one case, Phelps allegedly deeply sedated a victim, then transported him in a wheelchair across the U.S.-Mexico border to a hotel room in Mexico City, where he was later found dead. Evans said that after incapacitating the victims, Phelps stole their cars, withdrew money from their bank accounts, used their credit cards to purchase luxury goods and gold, and even attempted to access their social security and retirement accounts. Her actions demonstrate a pattern of exploitation and financial gain at the expense of her victims.

The indictment shows that Phelps met a man in July 2021 for lunch and then ordered food delivered to his home in November of that year, laced with prescription drugs. When the man was "nearly comatose" for about five days, Phelps gained access to his accounts and stole his iPhone, iPad, driver's license, and bank cards, the indictment states. She also allegedly accessed his E-Trade account and sold about $3.3 million (A$5.1 million) worth of Apple stock, but was unable to withdraw the money. This incident illustrates the meticulous planning and audacity of her crimes.

Authorities believe that Phelps used popular dating apps, including Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble, to find her targets. Evans said that the men were lonely, eager for companionship, and went on multiple dates with Phelps before she surreptitiously gave them tranquilizers. "These men were simply looking for love, and they were met with something far more evil," he said. The contrast between their desire for connection and the reality of Phelps's exploitation is particularly disturbing.

Evans stated that Phelps, a dual citizen of Mexico and the United States, had been on the FBI's watch list for several years. He declined to comment on her criminal history. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice said that Phelps does not have an attorney in the United States who can speak on her behalf. The Associated Press has left messages with the Mexican Foreign Ministry and Attorney General's office seeking comment. The lack of representation and ongoing investigation highlight the complexities of the case across international borders.

Evans said that relatives of several victims called authorities when they were unable to reach their loved ones. Court records show that in May 2022, a woman was unable to contact her father the day after he had a date with Phelps in Guadalajara, Mexico. The next day, Mexican police found him dead on the floor of his bathroom at his home. The indictment states that Phelps subsequently used an account belonging to the victim to purchase a gold coin, as well as conduct other transactions. These details paint a grim picture of the aftermath of Phelps's actions and the devastating impact on the victims' families.

Evans said that the FBI knows of more victims in the United States and Mexico and is publicizing information about the case, including aliases used by the suspect, hoping to identify others "who fell victim to her scams and whose trust may have cost them their lives." The FBI is also working with the Justice Department and Mexican authorities to ensure her extradition. Fahami said that if Phelps is convicted on all charges, which include seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of mail fraud, six counts of bank fraud, three counts of identity theft, and one count of kidnapping, she faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. The ongoing investigation and potential life sentence underscore the gravity of the crimes and the commitment to bringing Phelps to justice.