MEDLINE, COLOMBIA – The U.S. State Department has issued a warning to American travelers, advising against the use of dating apps while traveling to Colombia following several “suspicious deaths” of U.S. citizens in the country. Since January, Colombia has been designated as a country that Americans should “reconsider travel” to due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping risks. Certain areas of the country, particularly its border regions, are labeled as “Do not travel” zones.
The advisory, shared on Wednesday, highlighted “eight suspicious deaths of private U.S. citizens” in Medellin, Colombia’s second-largest city, between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2023. These deaths are believed to be either forced overdoses or suspected homicides, and some are associated with the use of online dating applications.
The U.S. embassy has reported an increase in incidents involving dating apps being used as a lure over the past year. Minnesota comedian Tou Ger Xiong was one such victim, having been kidnapped and held for a ransom after arranging to meet a woman he met online. The incidents are known to take place in major cities such as Medellin, Cartagena, and Bogota, and the State Department emphasizes that such incidents “routinely go underreported.”
The advisory advises individuals using dating apps in Colombia to only meet in public places, avoid isolated locations, and share details of their plans with a friend or family member. There has been a significant increase in thefts against foreign visitors and a 29% rise in violent deaths, with most victims being U.S. citizens.
In conclusion, the tragic deaths of U.S. citizens in Colombia as a result of the use of dating apps as a lure serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that travelers face. The warning from the State Department underscores the importance of exercising caution and vigilance while using dating apps in unfamiliar settings, especially in high-risk areas.