US citizens asked not to use dating apps and follow these precautions amid alarming warning. Check details
An alert has been issued for US citizens about the dangers of dating apps after multiple kidnappings in Mexico. The US Embassy in Mexico Monday confirmed it has confirmed reports of American citizens being taken by kidnappers whom the victims met on dating apps in recent months. The kidnappings in the Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit areas were confirmed by the U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara, according to a news release, reports ABC News.
Americans asked not to use dating apps
The US Consulate General Guadalajara said it had confirmed the reports of US citizens "kidnapped by individuals the victims met on dating apps in recent months in the Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit areas," adding the violence is not limited to one geographic area.
"Victims and their family members in the United States have at times been extorted for large sums of money to secure their release," the security alert said.
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Travelers were appealed to use caution when meeting strangers, meet only in public places and avoid isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms, where officials said crimes are most likely to occur.
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The US Consulate General also issued a reminder that in the State Department's travel advisory for Mexico, Jalisco is classified as "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" due to crime and kidnapping, and Nayarit is classified as "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" due to crime.
"If faced with immediate security threats, please contact local police by dialing '911' on any telephone," the consulate said. "U.S. citizens in need of emergency consular services should contact their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate."
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Authorities have asked citizens to follow certain precautions:
Exercise caution when using online dating apps in Mexico.
Inform a trusted friend or family member of your plans—include where you're going, who you're meeting, and which app you used to connect.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, don't hesitate to leave the situation.
In an emergency, dial 911 immediately.
Three in ten Americans have used a dating app, according to data from the Pew Research Center. The apps have rapidly become one of the most common ways to meet partners, but their increased use has led to an increase in scams and other crimes based around them as well.
The US Consulate has issued a warning urging individuals traveling to certain areas of Mexico for meetings arranged through dating apps to exercise extreme caution and review the region's travel advisories beforehand. "Travelers should use caution when meeting strangers; meet only in public places and avoid isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms, where crimes are most likely to occur," the alert added.
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