A Las Vegas woman, Aurora Phelps, 43, has been charged in a superseding indictment for her alleged involvement in a deadly romance scam targeting elderly men. Phelps used dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble to lure victims, drugging them with sedatives and stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The Scam
Phelps’ scheme involved:
– Targeting Elderly Men: Phelps deliberately targeted older men, using dating apps to gain their trust.
– Drugging and Theft: She would drug her victims with sedatives, rendering them incapacitated, and then steal their money, valuables, and sensitive information.
– Luxury Purchases: Phelps allegedly used the stolen funds to purchase luxury goods and other items.
Charges and Potential Sentence
Phelps faces 21 counts, including:
– Wire Fraud
– Mail Fraud
– Bank Fraud
– Identity Theft
– Kidnapping
– Kidnapping Resulting in Death
If convicted on all counts, Phelps could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Investigation and Extradition
The FBI is working with Mexican authorities to secure Phelps’ extradition to the United States. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging potential victims to come forward.