How 1 Woman's Dating App Scam Turned Deadly
Aurora Phelps didn't just break hearts — she allegedly left a trail of drugged, robbed, and even dead victims in her wake. Authorities say Phelps, 43, used dating apps like Tinder®, Hinge®, and Bumble® to lure older men into romantic traps, only to sedate them and drain their bank accounts. According to PEOPLE, the FBI calls it "a romance scam on steroids," and the fallout includes at least three deaths, millions of stolen funds, and a federal indictment that could put Phelps away for life.
Deadly Seduction and Millions Stolen
From July 2021 to December 2022, Phelps allegedly used charm and sedatives to lure her victims. Investigators say she befriended older men, gained their trust, and then drugged them to access their financial accounts. Phelps allegedly lived a double life between Las Vegas and Guadalajara, Mexico, operating under multiple names, including Aurora Flores, Aurora Velasco, and Aurora Alvarez.
The scale of the scam shocked even seasoned investigators. According to PEOPLE, Spencer Evans, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Las Vegas Division, called it "a romance scam on steroids." Prosecutors say Phelps' victims included at least 11 men. Four are named in the federal indictment, including three who died and one who fell into a coma after being drugged.
One victim, a wheelchair user, was heavily sedated and transported across the U.S.-Mexico border, where he was found dead in a Mexico City hotel. Another victim died on the bathroom floor of his Guadalajara home after a date with Phelps. Police discovered him after his daughter couldn't reach him. Phelps allegedly used one of his accounts to buy a gold coin after his death.
Another victim survived but ended up in a coma. While he lay unconscious, Phelps allegedly raided his bank accounts. She also attempted to sell $3.3 million in Apple stock from one victim's E-Trade account but failed to withdraw the funds. Prosecutors say the total value of her scheme could reach millions.
How It All Unraveled
The FBI started investigating Phelps in 2021 after reports of suspicious deaths and missing funds. By September 2023, authorities tracked her to Guadalajara, where Mexican officials arrested her. She remained in custody until February 2025, when U.S. prosecutors filed a 21-count indictment, charging her with wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping resulting in death.
At a Feb. 21, 2025, press conference, Evans warned that more victims might exist. According to the Associated Press, Evans said, "It's folks that are out looking for love that ran into something far more sinister." The FBI posted a bulletin urging potential victims to come forward, promising confidentiality.
Scammers Keep Getting Smarter
Romance scams have surged in recent years, with criminals finding new ways to exploit vulnerable people. According to the FBI, it is estimated that romance scams cost Americans over $1 billion annually. Phelps' scheme stands out for its sophistication and deadly consequences. Targeting older adults has become a growing trend among scammers, who use emotional manipulation and financial abuse to drain victims' life savings.
Don't Get Fooled: How to Spot a Romance Scam
Experts say romance scams often follow a pattern. Here's how to spot the red flags:
- Fast-moving relationships – Scammers often declare love quickly to build trust.
- Requests for money – If someone asks for financial help early in a relationship, it's a major warning sign.
- Secretive behavior – Scammers often refuse to meet in person or video chat.
- Inconsistent stories – Watch for changing details or vague answers.
- Unusual financial requests – Be wary if someone asks you to open new accounts, share banking details, or wire money overseas.
What's Next for Phelps
Phelps remains in custody and could face life in prison if convicted on all counts. Prosecutors say the FBI's investigation remains open, and more victims could surface. For now, Phelps' case serves as a chilling reminder of how dangerous modern dating can be — especially when love turns into a weapon.
References: Woman Accused of 'Romance Scam on Steroids' After Allegedly Drugging Older Men in Deadly Dating App Scheme | Las Vegas woman accused of drugging, defrauding older men in a deadly romance scheme | Woman accused of drugging and robbing older men in a deadly romance scheme | $1 Billion in Losses Reported by Victims of Romance Scams
