The U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara has confirmed several reports of U.S. citizens being kidnapped by individuals they met on dating apps in the Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit areas in recent months.
Victims and their family members in the United States have sometimes been extorted for large sums of money to secure their release, the consulate reported.
“Travelers should exercise 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,” advised the consulate.
The consulate emphasized that travelers should be aware that this type of violence is not confined to one geographic area.
Other advice offered by the consulate for travelers includes informing a friend or family member of one’s plans, such as “where you are going, details of the person you are meeting, and the app you used to meet them.”
The Consulate also advises travelers to trust their instincts: “If something does not feel right, do not hesitate to remove yourself from the situation.”
All travelers facing immediate security threats are advised to call the emergency number 911 and contact their nearest embassy or consulate. The number for the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City is (55) 8526 2561, and for the Canadian Embassy, it is (55) 5724 7900.