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American Military News
2 days ago
- American Military News
American tourists being 'kidnapped' through dating apps in Mexico, US Embassy warns
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico warned American tourists on Monday that U.S. citizens in certain regions of Mexico have been kidnapped by people they met on dating apps. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a security alert on Monday, warning that the U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara had confirmed 'several reports of U.S. citizens being kidnapped by individuals the victims met on dating apps in recent months.' The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico noted that the security alert was for the Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit regions of 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,' officials stated in the security alert. 'Please be aware that this type of violence is not limited to one geographic area. 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.' READ MORE: Cruise ship crime rate rises to 2-year high As part of Monday's security alert, the U.S. Consulate General issued a reminder that the U.S. State Department's travel advisory for Jalisco is listed as a 'Level 3: Reconsider Travel' advisory as a result of kidnapping and crime, while Nayarit is listed as a 'Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution' advisory as a result of crime. Addressing the danger currently presented by tourists using dating apps in Mexico, Bobby McDonald, a former supervisory Secret Service agent, told Fox News, 'You've got to be careful, buyer beware. You've got to assume that something bad could happen to you in this process.' 'If you choose to use it, be on extra-high alert. Be extra careful of where you're meeting this person or persons. Make sure that it's in a public area,' McDonald added. 'Make sure it's an area where you're going to have cell phone service. Make sure that you're just watching out for yourself, situational awareness. Be careful and let people know where you are.' McDonald told Fox News that apps are 'the next level of places' that criminals will be able to 'act on their nefarious activities,' and warned American tourists that they need to 'watch out.'
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Yahoo
Is it safe to travel to Mexico for spring break? Here's what the US Embassy says
One of the best times of the year for students and families is just around the corner! From the tradition's inception in 1938, spring break has grown into a sort of rite of passage for those seeking higher education. It's also a great time for family vacations, offering a taste of summer after an unusually cold winter in Texas. Mexico is a classic spring break destination. Cancún, Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta made the list of this year's 14 best spring break destinations by the U.S. News & World Report. However, a recent travel advisory is warning people to "exercise caution" in downtown areas of some popular spots in Mexico. Here's what we know. The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a Feb. 19 advisory that warns travelers about crime, drugs, unregulated alcohol, sexual assault and other issues. Here are the embassy's nine potential issues to watch: Any illicit drug possession or use is illegal in Mexico, including medical marijuana, and can result in long jail sentences. U.S. citizens have also suffered severe illness or death after using synthetic drugs or fake prescription pills. Unregulated alcohol might be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming tainted alcohol. Counterfeit medication is common and can be ineffective or dangerous. Purchase medication from reputable places and consult a medical professional. U.S. citizens have been victims of rape and sexual assault. Perpetrators can target drunk or isolated individuals or provide drugs that alter the victim's physical or mental state. Some beaches have strong currents and rip tides that could result in drowning. Beaches can lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions. Illness or accidents might require medical treatment or hospitalization. Private hospital prices in Mexico can be higher than in the U.S. or require upfront payment. All guns and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal in Mexico. Violations can lead to long jail sentences. In Mexico, it is illegal to be drunk and disorderly, urinate in public or have open alcohol containers in vehicles. Breaking Mexican law can lead to arrest. Violating the terms of your stay in Mexico can result in fines and detention. Click here for other actions and more information. The U.S. State Department issues four levels of travel advisories that describe the risks travelers can face in a country. As of March 3, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Japan and Mexico were included in the advisories. Although the first spring break in 1938 occurred in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, according to Visual Academy, travel has since expanded to several hot spots beyond U.S. borders. Mexico and the Caribbean are now key locations for spring breakers. A recent report by Expedia analyzing flight searches shows Cancún remains the most popular international location, with Mexico City (No. 8) and San José del Cabo (No. 10) also making the top 10 list. People are also reading: Is it 'Gulf of Mexico' or 'Gulf of America'? Depends if you use Google Maps or Apple Maps For those who'd rather not risk traveling abroad for spring break, the U.S. offers several destinations promising memorable fun. A recent study examined the country's 24-hour cities — cities offering the most diverse, round-the-clock entertainment. Austin claimed the No. 4 spot, with some of the cheapest public transportation and high scores on safety rankings and the availability of quality hotels. An analysis of the safest 24-hour cities, which included measures like crime rates, public safety measures and late-night infrastructure, featured even more Texas cities. El Paso was found to be the safest in the country. Austin, Fort Worth and San Antonio joined the West Texas city in the top 10 list. Read more: This Texas city is a top spring break destination in US, 3 others among the safest — The Palm Springs Desert Sun contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Spring break: US issues travel advisory for Mexico. Is it safe?
