Americans traveling to Colombia are being warned by the U.S. State Department to exercise caution when using online dating apps, as criminals are using these platforms to lure victims into dangerous situations. The warning comes after eight U.S. citizens were killed in the Colombian city of Medellin due to suspected homicides or involuntary drug overdoses.
The State Department emphasized that they do not believe the deaths are connected, but they did note that several of the victims had used online dating apps before being targeted, robbed, drugged, or killed. The warning stated that criminals use these apps to arrange meetings in public places such as hotels, restaurants, and bars, where they later carry out their assaults.
These incidents are especially prevalent in large cities like Medellin, Cartagena, and Bogota. Unfortunately, many of these crimes go unreported, as victims may feel embarrassed or reluctant to navigate the judicial process. According to the Tourism Observatory of the District Personnel of Medellin, the number of thefts targeting foreign visitors in Colombia increased by 200% in the latter months of 2023 compared to the previous year, with a 29% increase in violent deaths of foreign visitors, most of whom were U.S. citizens.
As a result of the rising crime rates, Colombia is currently under a Level 3 “reconsider travel” advisory according to the State Department, due to the level of violent crime and terrorism in certain parts of the country. To ensure their safety, the State Department has offered several tips for those who will continue to travel to Colombia and potentially use dating apps.
These measures include meeting strangers only in public places, avoiding isolated locations, informing a friend or family member of their plans, and not resisting any robbery attempts. The warning also advises travelers to trust their instincts and to walk away from any situation that doesn’t feel right. These precautions are essential for anyone traveling to Colombia in order to mitigate the risk of falling victim to crime.