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5newsonline.com
Aurora Phelps, a 43-year-old Las Vegas woman, was federally charged in February 2025 with wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, and identity theft for carrying out romance scams targeting older men between July 2021 and December 2022, in which she allegedly drugged victims and stole from their financial accounts. She also faces Arkansas charges stemming from a June 2019 incident where she drugged a woman and stole her credit card, resulting in approximately $5,000 in fraudulent charges. Phelps is currently in custody in Mexico on murder charges, with her Arkansas hearings postponed to March 2025, and authorities are
dailyhodl.com
**Summary:**
Shan Hanes, former CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank in Kansas, was sentenced to 24 years in prison in August 2023 for embezzling over $47 million through a cryptocurrency pig butchering scheme. The bank's collapse wiped out generational wealth for hundreds of residents, including the Tucker family ($1.4 million in lost shares) and the Houtz brothers (hundreds of thousands), while Hanes also stole from his church and investment club to fuel the scam.
cbsnews.com
Aurora Phelps, a 43-year-old Las Vegas woman, was indicted on multiple federal charges including wire fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping for allegedly luring older men through dating apps and online services, drugging them, and stealing their financial information. Her alleged victims include at least two men who died and one who disappeared; in documented cases, she stole approximately $3.3 million in Apple stock from one victim and over $10,000 from another before his death in Mexico. The FBI is seeking additional victims and has taken custody of Phelps, who was arrested in Mexico in September 2023 pending extradition to the United States.
globalnews.ca
Aurora Phelps, a 43-year-old Las Vegas woman, is accused of using online dating apps to lure at least four older men, then drugging them with sedatives and stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars through a sophisticated romance scam that resulted in at least three deaths. Phelps, currently in custody in Mexico, faces 21 federal charges including wire fraud, identity theft, kidnapping, and one count of kidnapping resulting in death, with potential life sentences; she is believed to have targeted victims between 2019 and 2022, stealing their vehicles, bank accounts, credit cards, and attempting to access retirement accounts while victims were incapacitated.
cbsnews.com
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goodmorningamerica.com
Aurora Phelps, 43, is in custody in Mexico for allegedly running a "romance scam on steroids" targeting men in their sixties and seventies through dating apps. The FBI is seeking public assistance in the case, which involves the fraudulent manipulation of vulnerable elderly men through romantic deception.
richlandsource.com
A 71-year-old widow named Linda Talbott was scammed out of nearly $12,000 by a man posing as "James" in an online romance scheme that lasted almost two years. The scammer manipulated Talbott into providing her Social Security number (redirecting her checks to Alabama), cashing fraudulent checks, and isolating her from support systems, ultimately leaving her homeless and living in her car in a Walmart parking lot. Between 2019 and 2023, the FTC received over 269,000 romance scam reports with total losses exceeding $4.5 billion, with scammers typically building trust through fake profiles and promises of
mirror.co.uk
A 57-year-old woman named Kirsty was targeted by a romance scammer on a dating app in 2019 who posed as a successful businessman but exhibited multiple red flags including poor English, inconsistent location details, and requests to move conversations off-platform; though she did not lose money, she felt "robbed and violated" and has not used dating apps since. The case illustrates how romance fraud targeting older adults—who may be lonely, financially secure, and less tech-savvy—is a real threat beyond documentaries like "The Tinder Swindler," with experts recommending users verify identities, avoid sharing personal details early, and remain skeptical of profiles that
dnronline.com
Dayton Police Chief Justin Trout presented to community members about common elder scams, noting that Americans ages 60 and older lost $3.4 billion to fraud in 2023. Trout warned against multiple scam types including government impersonation (IRS scams, arrest threats), AI-generated fake messages, cryptocurrency payment requests, overpayment schemes, and phishing emails, emphasizing that money lost to most scams cannot be recovered. Key advice includes never paying money to avoid arrest, independently verifying company contact information, avoiding cryptocurrency transactions, and deleting suspicious emails without clicking links.
hindustantimes.com
Aurora Phelps, a 43-year-old Los Angeles woman, was arrested in Mexico and charged with 21 counts of wire fraud, identity theft, and one count of kidnapping resulting in death for allegedly operating a "romance scam" targeting primarily elderly men on dating apps (Hinge, Tinder, Bumble) between 2019 and 2022. Phelps lured victims into meeting her in person, then drugged them with sedatives and stole their personal information to fraudulently access their bank, retirement, and investment accounts—in one case stealing $3.3 million in Apple stock; at least three of her victims died, including one
theguardian.com
Aurora Phelps, 43, used online dating apps (Tinder, Hinge, Bumble) to target at least four older men seeking companionship, then drugged them with prescription sedatives and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars through identity theft, unauthorized bank withdrawals, credit card fraud, and asset liquidation—resulting in at least three deaths, including one victim she allegedly transported across the U.S.-Mexico border in a coma. Phelps, a dual U.S.-Mexico citizen currently in custody in Mexico, faces 21 federal charges including wire fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping resulting in death, with a potential life sentence if convicted on all counts.
cnn.com
Aurora Phelps, a 43-year-old Las Vegas woman, has been charged in a 21-count indictment for an elaborate romance scam in which she allegedly used online dating apps to lure elderly men, drug them, and steal from their bank and investment accounts, resulting in at least three deaths and over $3 million in losses. One victim was allegedly drugged, pushed across the US-Mexico border in a wheelchair, and found dead in a Mexico City hotel room hours later; another victim died on his bathroom floor after a date in Guadalajara. Phelps, currently in Mexican custody, faces charges including wire fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, kidnapping, and kidnapping
astroawani.com
Deepfake technology poses a growing fraud threat in Malaysia, with cybercriminals using AI-generated voices, faces, and digital identities to conduct romance scams, investment fraud, and phishing attacks. In 2023, authorities reported 454 deepfake fraud cases resulting in RM2.272 million in losses, with criminals impersonating prominent figures and creating fake social media accounts. While Malaysia lacks specific deepfake legislation, CyberSecurity Malaysia is implementing detection technologies and awareness programs, though experts warn the public must remain vigilant as technology advances faster than regulatory and protective measures.
newstribune.com
A Las Vegas woman used online dating apps to target at least four older men, luring them to in-person meetings where she drugged them with sedatives and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in what FBI officials characterized as a "sinister" romance scam. This case demonstrates a predatory variation of romance fraud that combined dating app deception with drug-facilitated theft against vulnerable elderly victims.
bangkokpost.com
Malaysian authorities raided a luxury residence in Kuala Lumpur operating as an international scam call centre, arresting 42 foreign workers including six Thai nationals who were employed to conduct investment, gambling, and romance scams generating approximately 1.13 million baht daily. The suspects, aged 23-54 from multiple countries, confessed to earning around 30,080 baht monthly and targeted victims via Facebook, TikTok, WeChat, Telegram, and WhatsApp across Malaysia and internationally. Police seized 100,000 ringgit in cash along with phones, computers, and scam manuals, while the alleged syndicate leader, a Chinese national, remained at large.
americanbar.org
This article describes a romance scam targeting Casey, a lonely widower who met "Aubrey" in an online gardening chatroom and was gradually manipulated into depositing money into a joint account for cruise tickets, clothing, and a property down payment that never materialized. Research shows that older adults are particularly vulnerable to romance scams, with seniors losing approximately $139 million to this scam category in 2020, and that loneliness can impair cognitive performance and increase susceptibility. The FBI recommends protective measures against romance scams, and the publication is launching a "Scam of the Month" feature to educate readers about fraud tactics.
scmp.com
Aurora Phelps, 43, used online dating apps to target at least four elderly men between 2021 and 2022, drugging them with prescription sedatives and stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars through a scheme the FBI called a "romance scam on steroids." Three victims died, including one whom Phelps allegedly sedated, transported across the U.S.-Mexico border in a wheelchair, and abandoned in a Mexico City hotel room; she also stole their vehicles, drained bank accounts, used credit cards for luxury purchases, and attempted to access their social security and retirement accounts. Phelps, currently in custody in Mexico, faces 21 federal charges including wire fraud,
ktnv.com
A 43-year-old Las Vegas woman, Aurora Phelps, was arrested in Mexico for operating romance scams targeting older men across multiple states from 2019-2022. Phelps met victims on dating sites, gained their trust, drugged them with sedatives, and stole their financial information and bank accounts, with one victim allegedly losing millions in liquidated stock; the FBI identified at least four victims (two from Nevada, one each from Arkansas and Mexico) and believes three U.S. citizens died as a result of her crimes. Phelps faces 21 federal charges including bank fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping resulting in death, and is awaiting extra
murraypioneer.com.au
Romance scams are increasing among online daters and social media users, with scammers using emotional manipulation and false affection to extract money from victims. The warning advises Riverlanders to exercise caution when forming romantic relationships online and to be alert to common tactics used by fraudsters seeking financial gain.
kyberturvallisuuskeskus.fi
**Summary:**
Romance scams involve criminals posing as fictitious individuals online to build emotional relationships with victims before requesting money. The NCSC-FI advises victims to immediately cease contact with the scammer, contact their bank if money was transferred, document communications, report to police, and seek support from organizations like Victim Support Finland and Nettideittiturva, emphasizing that falling victim is not the victim's fault but rather a result of systematic manipulation.
kcci.com
Aurora Phelps, 43, used online dating apps (Tinder, Hinge, Bumble) to lure at least four older men between 2021-2022, then drugged them with prescription sedatives and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars, including approximately $3.3 million in Apple stock from one victim's E-Trade account. Three of the men died, and Phelps faces 21 federal charges including wire fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping resulting in death; she is currently in custody in Mexico pending extradition. The FBI is seeking additional victims and has created a website for the public to report information about this "romance scam on ster
wmtw.com
Aurora Phelps, 43, used online dating apps including Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble to lure at least four older men to meet her between 2021-2022, then drugged them with prescription sedatives and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars through a "romance scam on steroids." Three of the victims died, and Phelps—currently in custody in Mexico—has been charged with 21 counts including wire fraud, identity theft, and one count of kidnapping resulting in death, with stolen assets including approximately $3.3 million in Apple stock, vehicles, bank account withdrawals, and luxury goods. The FBI is seeking
mor-tv.com
Aurora Phelps, 43, used online dating apps including Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble to lure at least four older men to meet her in 2021-2022, then drugged them with prescription sedatives and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars through a "romance scam on steroids." Three of the victims died, and Phelps, currently in custody in Mexico, faces 21 counts including wire fraud, identity theft, and one count of kidnapping resulting in death; she allegedly stole vehicles, drained bank accounts, used credit cards for luxury purchases, and attempted to access retirement accounts, with one victim losing approximately $3.3 million
southtahoenow.com
Residents of South Lake Tahoe received impersonation scam calls from individuals claiming to be El Dorado County Sheriff's Office representatives demanding payment for alleged missed federal jury duty and threatening arrest warrants. The scammers used spoofed phone numbers, possessed personal information including names and addresses, and instructed victims to pay citations before appearing at the sheriff's office. Law enforcement agencies never contact people by phone regarding warrants or jury duty, and the best defense is to hang up and independently verify any such calls by contacting the official agency directly.
themirror.com
Aurora Phelps, 43, a Nevada woman currently in custody in Mexico, faces 21 counts including wire fraud, identity theft, and one count of kidnapping resulting in death for operating what the FBI called a "romance scam on steroids." Using dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble, Phelps targeted at least four men between 2021 and 2022, luring them to meet in person before secretly drugging them with sedatives and stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars through theft of vehicles, bank withdrawals, credit card purchases, and unauthorized access to investment accounts—with three of the victims dying and one victim being transported across the U.
chicagotribune.com
Naperville residents reported losing nearly $5.5 million to scams in 2024, representing a dramatic increase from previous years, according to police authorities. The most common fraud schemes included arrest warrant extortion, "pig butchering" (romance/investment scams), phishing, and online marketplace fraud, with victims ranging from age 15 to 91. Police note that actual losses likely exceed reported figures, as many victims don't report due to shame, and funds paid via gift cards or cryptocurrency are rarely recoverable.
rbcwealthmanagement.com
Cryptocurrency investments carry substantial risk and have become a prime target for scammers, with crypto-related fraud losses reaching $5.6 billion in 2023, a 45 percent increase from the previous year according to the FBI. Common crypto scams include fake investment opportunities promising guaranteed returns, phishing schemes using counterfeit websites, celebrity endorsement fraud, and Ponzi schemes that recruit investors but misuse funds. Individuals considering cryptocurrency investment should familiarize themselves with these scam tactics and verify the legitimacy of any platform before providing personal information or money.
myfox28columbus.com
Romance scams use psychological manipulation and fake online profiles to deceive victims into sending money or sharing sensitive information, typically involving scammers who maintain frequent contact, offer excessive flattery, and make excuses to avoid in-person meetings. Warning signs include profiles that seem "too good to be true," claims of military service or remote work commitments, and pressure for quick emotional connection. Zelle and other payment platforms recommend consumer education and technology-based protections to help users identify and avoid these schemes before experiencing emotional and financial losses.
wdsu.com
Aurora Phelps, 43, used dating apps including Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble to lure at least four older men, whom she drugged with sedatives and robbed of hundreds of thousands of dollars between 2021 and 2022; three men died, including one she allegedly transported unconscious across the U.S.-Mexico border. Phelps, currently in custody in Mexico, faces 21 federal charges including wire fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping resulting in death, with authorities believing additional victims exist in both countries. Her victims lost substantial sums including approximately $3.3 million in stolen Apple stock, vehicles, bank account funds, and credit card charges
reviewjournal.com
Aurora Phelps, a 43-year-old Las Vegas woman, ran a "romance scam on steroids" targeting elderly victims primarily in their 60s and 70s through online dating applications over more than three years, resulting in at least three deaths. Phelps drugged victims with prescription sedatives and controlled substances, then stole their vehicles, bank accounts, and credit cards; in one case, she liquidated $3.3 million of a victim's Apple stock. She faces a 21-count indictment including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping charges, is currently incarcerated in Mexico awaiting extradition, and the FBI has
aarp.org
Alfred's family discovered unusual bank transactions and learned that their father had fallen victim to multiple scams over several years, including romance fraud involving an impostor posing as WWE wrestler Alexa Bliss, as well as advance-fee schemes. Despite his sons' efforts to protect him, Alfred believed he was helping friends in need and paying legitimate bills, leading to family conflict and legal action between father and son over the attempts to stop the fraudulent transactions.
news4sanantonio.com
This article is an educational piece from a law firm outlining five criminal offenses that may occur around Valentine's Day: domestic violence (physical, sexual, emotional abuse), stalking (including cyberstalking and tracking), romance scams (online fraud to extract money or information), sex crimes (sexual assault, indecent exposure), and theft within relationships. The piece explains how each crime is classified and prosecuted in Texas, emphasizing that penalties vary based on severity, prior history, and victim circumstances.
fox5vegas.com
Aurora Phelps, a Las Vegas woman currently incarcerated in Mexico awaiting extradition, has been indicted by federal prosecutors for orchestrating romance scams targeting older men between July 2021 and December 2022. Phelps allegedly lured victims through online dating applications, drugged them with prescription sedatives, and stole millions of dollars through unauthorized access to their bank accounts, brokerage accounts, credit cards, and vehicles; at least three victims died, including one man she allegedly pushed across the border in a wheelchair. She faces multiple federal charges including wire fraud, bank fraud, kidnapping, and kidnapping resulting in death, with a potential life sentence if convicted.
news3lv.com
Aurora Phelps, a 43-year-old Las Vegas woman, has been charged in a 21-count indictment for orchestrating a deadly romance scam targeting older men aged 60-70 between 2019 and 2022. Phelps allegedly lured at least 11 victims through online dating apps, met them in person, drugged them with sedatives, and stole their money, vehicles, and identities; at least three victims died, including one she allegedly sedated and transported across the U.S./Mexico border in a wheelchair. She currently faces charges including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping resulting in death, with a
justice.gov
**Romance Scam with Drugging and Theft**
Aurora Phelps, a 43-year-old Las Vegas woman, was indicted on 21 counts including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping for allegedly meeting older men through online dating services, drugging them, and stealing money from their financial accounts between July 2021 and December 2022. Phelps, currently in custody in Mexico, faces up to life in prison if convicted, and the FBI is actively seeking to identify additional victims through an investigative website.
huffpost.com
Aurora Phelps, 43, used online dating apps to lure at least four older men into meeting her, then drugged them with sedatives and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in what authorities called a "romance scam on steroids." Three of the victims died, including one whom Phelps is alleged to have heavily sedated and transported across the U.S.-Mexico border to a Mexico City hotel where he was found dead; a fourth victim awoke from a coma after being given prescription sedatives over a week. Phelps, currently in custody in Mexico and facing 21 federal charges including wire fraud, identity theft, and one count of kidnapping resulting in death,
wbaltv.com
Aurora Phelps, 43, used online dating apps (Tinder, Hinge, Bumble) to target at least four older men in 2021-2022, drugging them with prescription sedatives and stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars through bank accounts, credit cards, and stock sales in what FBI officials described as "romance scam on steroids." Three of the victims died, and Phelps—currently in custody in Mexico—faces 21 federal charges including wire fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping resulting in death, with investigators seeking her extradition and urging additional potential victims to come forward.
2news.com
43-year-old Aurora Phelps of Las Vegas was charged in a 21-count indictment for running a romance scam targeting older men through online dating services between July 2021 and December 2022, during which she allegedly drugged victims and stole from their bank accounts. Phelps, currently in custody in Mexico, faces charges including wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, identity theft, and kidnapping, with a potential life sentence if convicted on all counts. The FBI is seeking additional victims and has established resources including a dedicated webpage and the National Elder Fraud Hotline (1-833-372-8311) for those 60 and older who may
cardrates.com
The Federal Trade Commission estimates that financial scams against older Americans in 2023 resulted in losses as high as $61.5 billion, with individuals over 60 reporting fraud more frequently than any other age group. Tech support fraud, where criminals impersonate legitimate tech employees to gain access to victims' accounts, is the leading fraud type targeting seniors. Huntington Bank launched a Caregiver Banking program in December 2024 that allows older adults and those needing financial assistance to securely share account access with trusted caregivers or family members to help prevent fraud exploitation.
kob.com
The FBI warns that romance scams continue to target people seeking relationships online, with scammers building trust to solicit money or banking information from victims. Key prevention measures include never sending money to unknown individuals, moving relationships slowly while asking questions, and immediately ending contact if someone requests financial information. The FBI's Albuquerque office highlighted these concerns as part of broader fraud prevention efforts.
usatoday.com
A 30-year-old Florida man was ordered to pay over $1.1 million for operating EmpiresX, a $100 million cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors across 50+ countries from 2020-2021. The article explains common crypto scams including Ponzi schemes, pig-butchering scams (which combine romance fraud with fake investment schemes), and advises protection strategies such as verifying investment legitimacy, being cautious of unsolicited financial offers, and understanding that cryptocurrency transactions are difficult to reverse or recover.
moonstone.co.za
"Pig butchering" is a rapidly growing romance scam that combines fake romantic connections with cryptocurrency fraud schemes, primarily targeting victims on dating platforms and social media. South Africans lost over R125 million to online dating scammers in 2022, with scammers now using AI and deepfake technology to create increasingly convincing fake profiles and lure victims into fraudulent investment schemes. These operations, run by international crime syndicates that often exploit trafficked workers, build long-term emotional trust before pressuring victims to send cryptocurrency, which is then laundered through shell companies and criminal networks.
royalgazette.com
Bermuda police and banking authorities issued a joint warning about romance scams following approximately 15-20 reported cases over the past year. Scammers build fake romantic relationships online before requesting money for travel costs, emergencies, or other fabricated needs, with some victims losing thousands of dollars; additional extortion variants involve demanding money in exchange for not sharing intimate photos. Authorities advise potential victims to watch for warning signs including rapid relationship progression, requests for wire transfers or cryptocurrency, inconsistencies in profiles, and claims of being stranded overseas.
patch.com
**Summary:**
A speaker will present "Break Your Bank, Break Your Heart: Avoiding Romance Scams" at the La Canada Community Center on February 28, 2025, addressing the growing threat of romance scams targeting seniors. The presentation will cover the warning signs of romance scams, how to avoid them, recovery strategies, common victim characteristics, and ways to strengthen emotional resilience against these emotionally and financially devastating schemes.
kgun9.com
Green Valley, Arizona authorities warn residents about multiple evolving scams targeting seniors, including voice cloning fraud, impersonation schemes (costing victims $1.1 billion nationally in 2023), romance scams (which cost Arizona residents $47 million over two years), and pornography-related blackmail scams. Experts recommend residents verify suspicious communications through trusted third parties and never share personal information without confirming legitimacy, noting that scammers use urgency tactics and exploit loneliness to manipulate their targets.
nationthailand.com
Metropolitan Police arrested five suspects, including Chinese national "Boss Zhou" and former Thai teacher Alisa, for operating a sophisticated romance scam that defrauded victims of over 91 million baht. The operation created fake online profiles to establish romantic relationships, then coerced victims into investing in a fictitious Singaporean TikTok shop, with funds ultimately laundered through cryptocurrency exchanges. A raid on their Bang Phli residence—identified as the operation's "nerve centre"—uncovered 102 active bank accounts, 70 debit cards, and links to 132 reported fraud cases.
ukiahdailyjournal.com
An elderly woman lost money to a romance scam in which an online suitor fabricated emergencies (car accident, medical bills) to request loans totaling over $1,000. The executive director of the Ukiah Senior Center describes this as part of a widespread trend of financial fraud targeting seniors, including romance scams, impersonation schemes (government officials, grandchildren), and lottery scams. The article advises victims to verify requests before sending money, watch for red flags in online relationships, and report suspected fraud to law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission without shame.
hjnews.com
The Box Elder County Sheriff's Office issued a Valentine's Day awareness campaign warning residents about romance scams and catfishing schemes that increase during the holiday season. The advisory recommends exercising caution with online dating matches, particularly those professing quick romantic commitment, and advises against sending money, personal information, or compromising photos to individuals met only online. The Sheriff's Office and FCC recommend using public records and reverse image searches to verify identities and meeting in person before making emotional or financial commitments.
live5news.com
AARP warns that scammers are exploiting cryptocurrency ATMs—machines that resemble regular ATMs and are increasingly found in gas stations and grocery stores—to steal from victims by posing as law enforcement or government officials and pressuring them to withdraw cash and deposit it into Bitcoin ATMs, where funds are instantly converted to untraceable cryptocurrency. One victim lost $80,000 through this scheme, and cryptocurrency scams cost Americans $1 billion in 2024. The AARP advises that any request to pay bills or deposit money through a crypto ATM is always a scam and should be reported to local law enforcement or ic3.gov.
alliancetimes.com
Financial Advisor Dalsey Lambley presented a scam awareness workshop at the Alliance Public Library, highlighting common fraud types including internet scams, romance scams, collection fraud, and computer intrusion schemes that typically begin with unsolicited contact. Lambley advised attendees to recognize red flags, avoid sharing personal information with unverified online contacts, verify contact numbers independently, and consult trusted friends before responding to urgent requests. The presentation emphasized that scammers exploit emotions like loneliness and fear to pressure victims into quick decisions without careful consideration.