In a strange case that has come to become the focus of national attention, 43-year-old Las Vegas woman Aurora Phelps has been accused of taking advantage of older men on dating websites, intoxicating them, and stealing from them. Phelps, who was picked up in Mexico, is charged with a series of federal crimes, including kidnapping with death resulting, wire fraud, mail fraud, identity theft, and bank fraud. She could spend the remainder of her life behind bars if convicted.
The Alleged Scheme
According to reports from the U.S. Attorney's Office of the District of Nevada, Phelps used dating sites to lure older men between 2019-2022. She allegedly arranged dates, drugged her victims, and even accessed their financial accounts while they slept. The prosecutor states that she used other people's identities when making withdrawals, purchasing designer items, and even attempting to draw Social Security and retirement benefits.
The authorities have linked her to at least three deaths, thus she now has a kidnapping charge which results in death. (Source)
International Operations
Phelps ran her operation in both the U.S. and Mexico, as per the authorities, and maintained residences in Las Vegas and Guadalajara. She was arrested in Mexico as part of a cooperative effort between Mexican and U.S. authorities. She is currently in Mexican custody and awaits extradition to the U.S. (Source)
Legal Proceedings
Federal authorities announced a 21-count superseding indictment against Phelps, which includes:
One count of death resulting from kidnapping
One count of kidnapping
Seven counts of wire fraud
Three counts of mail fraud
Three counts of identity theft
Six counts of bank fraud
She may face severe punishment, including a life term if convicted. The Nevada federal public defender's office has yet to comment on whether Phelps has obtained an attorney. (Source)
A Growing Trend of Dating App Scams
Phelps' experience is one of a broader trend of criminals exploiting dating sites. In another case of a similar nature, two women from Las Vegas were arrested for poisoning a man and robbing him of over $275,000 worth of cryptocurrency after they met on the Strip. (Source)
How to Protect Yourself from Romance Scams
To be safe when dating through apps, follow these precautions:
Verify Identities: Make use of video calls prior to meeting in person.
Meet in Public: Choose busy places for the first meetings.
Inform Someone: Inform a close friend or family member of your plans.
Control Personal Information: Do not give financial or sensitive information at this early stage.
Be Wary of Substances: Never accept drinks from a stranger.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels suspicious, leave immediately.
The Responsibility of Dating Platforms
With growing incidence of romance scams, questions of liability of dating websites in their attempt to provide safety to users are being asked. In spite of the immunity provided to these firms by legislation like the Communications Decency Act, experts opine that they need to have more stringent security measures, such as verification of copycat profiles and issuing warnings regarding possible scams. (Source)
Conclusion
The case of Aurora Phelps is a stark reminder of the dangers of online dating. As her trial goes on, it can set legal precedents regarding online fraud and safety on dating sites. For now, users must be vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves from potential scams.