Contributed by: kellyseal on Wednesday, July 09 2025 @ 07:21 pm
Last modified on Wednesday, July 09 2025 @ 07:24 pm
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has issued a critical security alert for Americans using dating apps when traveling in Mexico due to several confirmed reports of kidnapping.
According to Newsweek, the Guadalajara Consulate confirmed reports of US citizens being kidnapped by people they met via dating apps, particularly in popular tourist destinations like the Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit areas.
"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 notice said.
The U.S. State Department has also issued a travel advisory warning on its website, which reads: "Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities."
The guidance from the Guadalajara Consulate also asks travelers to Mexico to alert friends and family members where they will be, as well as the apps they are using to meet their dates, according to Newsweek[*1] .
The Consulate added that violence has not been limited to the two regions mentioned in the security alert, and that U.S. residents traveling to any region in Mexico should be careful when meeting up with those they’ve connected with on dating apps.
"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 security notice said.
"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."
Dating apps have long posed security risks for users, with many falling victim to scams and other forms of exploitation. Dating apps have also had to issue travel warnings for LGBTQ+ users in countries that have laws that target these communities, particularly in the Middle East. Grindr released a warning to its users when travelers in Egypt reported that undercover police were posting fake profiles on Grindr in order to trap and arrest users.
The Mexico embassy advises: “If something does not feel right, do not hesitate to remove yourself from a situation.”