Kidnappings tied to dating apps in Mexico, US embassy warns
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico is warning that some American tourists in the country have been kidnapped by people they met on dating apps in recent months.
According to a June 2 press release from the U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara, kidnappings were confirmed in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco and Nuevo Nayarit, Nayarit, two popular beach destinations in the country.
"Victims and their family members in the United States have at times been extorted for large sums of money to secure their release," the embassy said. "Please be aware that this type of violence is not limited to one geographic area."
Officials urged tourists to exercise caution when meeting strangers, and to meet them in public spaces, avoiding isolated areas like houses or hotel rooms.
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for Mexico. Jalisco is under a "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" due to crime and kidnapping, while Nayarit is under a "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" due to crime.
According to the press release from the embassy, officials gave the following recommendations to stay safe:
Be cautious if using online dating apps in Mexico.
Meet only in public places and avoid isolated locations.
Tell a friend or family member of your plans, including where you are going, details of the person you are meeting and the app you used to meet them.
Trust your instincts. If something does not feel right, do not hesitate to remove yourself from a situation.
In case of emergency, call 911.
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US Embassy warns of kidnappings tied to dating apps in Mexico
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