LAS VEGAS — If Tinder, the world’s most popular online dating app, had a “most wanted” list, Aurora Phelps would be its queen. The 43-year-old dual citizen of the U.S. and Mexico allegedly turned online dating into a high-stakes heist operation, complete with sedatives, stolen Apple stock, and a getaway wheelchair. Yes, a wheelchair.
Dubbed a “romance scam on steroids” by the FBI — which sounds like a Netflix pitch waiting to happen — Phelps allegedly wooed elderly singles across borders, then robbed them blind while they were too drugged to notice. Her aliases included “Aurora Flores,” “Aurora Velasco,” and “Aurora-Alverez,” which sounds less like a criminal and more like a telenovela villain with a dramatic backstory and a signature perfume.
According to investigators, Phelps didn’t just ghost her victims — she allegedly ghosted them permanently. Three people died after their encounters with her, and one man was wheeled across the Mexico border like a discount Bond villain’s hostage. The FBI says she used prescription sedatives to knock out her dates, then went shopping with their credit cards. Love hurts, but apparently it also buys gold.
One survivor from Henderson, Nevada, spent five days in a coma after what was supposed to be a romantic evening. Instead of roses and wine, he woke up to find his 3.3 million Dollars in Apple stock had vanished faster than a bad first date. Phelps allegedly tried to funnel the money into her own account, proving she had more hustle than Wall Street.
The FBI held a press conference that felt part crime briefing, part dating PSA. “We’re asking the public to help identify more victims,” said Special Agent Spencer Evans, who looked like he’d just binge-watched a season of “Scammer Island.” “This was a sinister and far-reaching scam,” he added, probably wondering how someone could turn romance into a felony buffet.
Sue Fahami, acting U.S. attorney for Nevada, confirmed that Phelps faces a 21-count indictment and could spend the rest of her life behind bars. That’s a lot of time to reflect on her dating strategy, which apparently involved sedatives, identity theft, and luxury shopping. Cupid’s arrow? More like a credit card swipe.
Phelps is currently in a Mexican jail, which is probably the only place she’s not swiping right. Authorities are working on extradition, though she might need a new alias — perhaps “Aurora de la Cellblock.” Meanwhile, the FBI is still piecing together her trail of heartbreak and fraud, which spans two countries and several luxury boutiques.
When asked if she had help, Evans said the investigation is ongoing. Translation: they’re still trying to figure out if she had a partner-in-crime or just really good Wi-Fi. Either way, the FBI wants anyone who’s been ghosted, drugged, or robbed by someone named Aurora to come forward.
So, if your online date offered you gold, a trip to Guadalajara, and a suspiciously strong cocktail — you might’ve matched with the wrong Aurora. And if you’re still single, maybe stick to dog parks and book clubs. At least there, the only thing you’ll lose is your dignity.
