 "The alert has come from the US Consulate General based in Guadalajara. Pixabay/Representational Image")
A warning has been issued for Americans over the dangers linked to dating apps in Mexico.
The alert has come from the US Consulate General in Guadalajara.
As per the Pew Research Center, around three in ten Americans have used a dating app. These platforms have quickly turned into a popular way for people to find partners.
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Why has the US Embassy in Mexico warned American tourists about using dating apps there? What exactly did the embassy say in its warning?
Let’s get you the answers to these questions and more.
Why American travellers have been warned against using dating apps in Mexico
American travellers have been advised against using dating apps in Mexico following a series of recent kidnappings.
The warning came from the US Consulate General in Guadalajara, which said that some American visitors had been abducted by individuals they met through dating apps.
The incidents took place in Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco and Nuevo Nayarit in Nayarit, both popular beach destinations.
“Victims and their family members in the United States have at times been extorted for large sums of money to secure their release,” the consulate said.
It also said that such violence is not limited to a geographic region.
Tourists have been urged to be cautious when meeting new people. Officials advised arranging meetings in public places and avoiding private spaces like homes or hotel rooms.
Impact Shorts
View AllThe warning follows a broader travel advisory from the US State Department. Jalisco has been placed under “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnappings, while Nayarit falls under “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution”.
“Travellers 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 consulate said.
In case of a security threat, visitors are encouraged to contact local police by dialling 911.
“US citizens in need of emergency consular services should contact their nearest US embassy or consulate.”
Figures from the Pew Research Center show that around three in ten Americans have used a dating app. While these platforms have become a common way to meet partners, they have also seen a rise in related scams and crimes.
US Embassy’s safety tips for Mexico
In its press release, the US Embassy shared several safety tips for those using dating apps in Mexico:
Be careful when using dating apps while in the country.
Arrange to meet only in public areas and steer clear of isolated spots.
Inform a friend or family member about your plans, including details such as your destination, the person you are meeting, and the app used.
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, leave the situation immediately.
In an emergency, dial 911.
How Americans are being kidnapped by Mexican cartels
According to a News Nation report last month, a drop in border crossings has led certain Mexican cartels to shift to kidnapping instead.
Reuters reported in February that illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border were expected to hit a record monthly low.
One such case took place in April, when two American citizens were abducted outside a restaurant in Juarez. They were held for around three days in a house before being rescued by the FBI and a local anti-kidnapping unit.
During the rescue, authorities recovered three guns and a sum of cash. The captors had been demanding money in exchange for the victims’ release.