(KTLA) – US embassy officials and Mexican consulates have confirmed several reports that Americans have been invited by individuals they meet on dating apps, federal officials said.
In a security alert issued on June 2, authorities at the US Consulate in Guadalajara issued warnings about the incident. All of this has been happening in the Puerto Varalta and Nuevonayarit regions for recent months.
“The victims and their families in the United States were sometimes forced to spend a lot of money to secure their release,” the official said. “It should be noted that this type of violence is not limited to one geographical area. Travelers should be careful when meeting strangers.”
Officials did not name any particular dating apps, but provided some tips for a safer trip. In it, authorities warn users to meet with matches in public places and avoid isolated places. Let someone trust you plan, where you meet up, and the app you used before you left. If your “instinct” tells you something is feeling bad, end the date. Call 911 if an emergency occurs.
Officials at the US Consulate also encouraged travelers to stay behind Mexico’s US State Department travel advisories.
Currently, Jalisco, Mexico, including the city of Puerto Vallarta, is classified as “Level 3: Reconsideration Trip” due to crime and inducements. The state of Nayarit, including the city of Nuevo Nayarit, is classified as “Level 2: Exercise Caution” due to crime.
US citizens traveling to Mexico can find a list of emergency contacts on the official websites of the US Embassy and Consulate in Mexico.
