Protect your heart and wallet: The truth behind the romance scam claiming countless victims
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Finding love later in life is more accessible than ever, but so are the risks. A new romance scheme is leaving heartbreak and financial devastation in its wake.
Could this dangerous scam be targeting more people than we realize?
Aurora Phelps, a 43-year-old Las Vegas woman, has become the face of a harrowing cautionary tale.
She was arrested and charged with a litany of crimes, including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, kidnapping, and even kidnapping resulting in death.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada painted a grim picture of Phelps's alleged activities, which could land her a life sentence if convicted on all counts.
The indictment paints a picture of a calculated predator.
Phelps allegedly used dating apps to ensnare older men, luring them with the promise of romance only to drug them and plunder their financial accounts.
While she is currently charged in connection with one death, the indictment suggests at least two men she met and scammed ultimately died.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reason to believe there may be more victims out there, prompting them to set up a website for potential victims to come forward.
Phelps, who also went by various aliases, including Aurora Flores, Aurora Velasco, and Aurora Alvarez, didn't limit her targets to elderly men; she was indiscriminate, targeting all age groups and even women.
The details of Phelps's alleged crimes are as shocking as they are heartbreaking.
In one instance, she is accused of drugging an elderly man, leaving him mostly unconscious for days while she went on a spending spree with his money, including selling $3.3 million of his Apple stock.
Another victim met a similar fate after a date in Las Vegas; he was drugged, taken to Mexico City, and died in a hotel room paid for with his credit card while Phelps allegedly continued to drain his financial resources.
The stories continue, each more disturbing than the last.
One man disappeared after meeting Phelps at a hotel in Guadalajara, Mexico, and another was found dead by his daughter just a day after going on a date with Phelps in the same region.
Phelps faces 21 charges, including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping—some resulting in death—with a potential life sentence if convicted.
Authorities suspect there may be more victims and the FBI have launched a website for them to come forward.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in the digital dating world. It's crucial to protect not just your heart but also your wallet.
Here at The GrayVine, we urge our community to approach online relationships with caution. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
RELATED STORY: USPS reveals how romance scams could cost you more than heartache.
1. Verify Identities
Conduct a background check or at least a Google search on anyone you meet online before meeting in person.
2. Keep Personal Information Private
Never share financial details, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive information with someone you've just met online.
3. Meet in Public Places
Always choose a public venue for initial meetings and tell a friend or family member where you'll be.
4. Listen to Your Instincts
If something feels off, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation.
5. Report Suspicious Behavior
If you suspect you're being targeted by a scammer, report them to the dating service and local authorities.
Remember, while the search for love and companionship is a beautiful journey, it's essential to navigate it with eyes wide open.
Let's work together to keep our community safe from those who would take advantage of our trust and generosity.
Have you or someone you know experienced a romance scam? What precautions do you take when meeting someone new, especially from an online connection?
Share your stories and tips in the comments below. Your insights could be invaluable to fellow readers and help prevent further heartache and loss.
Could this dangerous scam be targeting more people than we realize?
Aurora Phelps, a 43-year-old Las Vegas woman, has become the face of a harrowing cautionary tale.
She was arrested and charged with a litany of crimes, including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, kidnapping, and even kidnapping resulting in death.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada painted a grim picture of Phelps's alleged activities, which could land her a life sentence if convicted on all counts.
The indictment paints a picture of a calculated predator.
Aurora Phelps has been arrested and charged with conducting a “romance scheme” involving older men. Image source: cottonbro studio/Pexels.
Phelps allegedly used dating apps to ensnare older men, luring them with the promise of romance only to drug them and plunder their financial accounts.
While she is currently charged in connection with one death, the indictment suggests at least two men she met and scammed ultimately died.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reason to believe there may be more victims out there, prompting them to set up a website for potential victims to come forward.
Phelps, who also went by various aliases, including Aurora Flores, Aurora Velasco, and Aurora Alvarez, didn't limit her targets to elderly men; she was indiscriminate, targeting all age groups and even women.
The details of Phelps's alleged crimes are as shocking as they are heartbreaking.
In one instance, she is accused of drugging an elderly man, leaving him mostly unconscious for days while she went on a spending spree with his money, including selling $3.3 million of his Apple stock.
Another victim met a similar fate after a date in Las Vegas; he was drugged, taken to Mexico City, and died in a hotel room paid for with his credit card while Phelps allegedly continued to drain his financial resources.
The stories continue, each more disturbing than the last.
One man disappeared after meeting Phelps at a hotel in Guadalajara, Mexico, and another was found dead by his daughter just a day after going on a date with Phelps in the same region.
Phelps faces 21 charges, including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping—some resulting in death—with a potential life sentence if convicted.
Authorities suspect there may be more victims and the FBI have launched a website for them to come forward.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in the digital dating world. It's crucial to protect not just your heart but also your wallet.
Here at The GrayVine, we urge our community to approach online relationships with caution. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
RELATED STORY: USPS reveals how romance scams could cost you more than heartache.
1. Verify Identities
Conduct a background check or at least a Google search on anyone you meet online before meeting in person.
2. Keep Personal Information Private
Never share financial details, Social Security numbers, or other sensitive information with someone you've just met online.
3. Meet in Public Places
Always choose a public venue for initial meetings and tell a friend or family member where you'll be.
4. Listen to Your Instincts
If something feels off, trust your gut and remove yourself from the situation.
5. Report Suspicious Behavior
If you suspect you're being targeted by a scammer, report them to the dating service and local authorities.
Remember, while the search for love and companionship is a beautiful journey, it's essential to navigate it with eyes wide open.
Let's work together to keep our community safe from those who would take advantage of our trust and generosity.
Share your stories and tips in the comments below. Your insights could be invaluable to fellow readers and help prevent further heartache and loss.
