U.S. Embassy security alert: Travelers to vacation hotspot face serious risk from common activity

A new security alert from the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Mexico is warning people about the potential for serious risk from an increasingly common activity.

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. Victims and their families in the U.S. have been extorted for large sums of money to secure their release.

“Please be aware that this type of violence is not limited to one geographic area. 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 alert noted.

Mexico is under a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution warning from the U.S. State Department due to the potential for violent crimes, including murders, kidnappings, carjackings and robberies. Jalisco, home to Puerto Vallarta, is classified as Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Nayarit is a “Level 2,” and travelers are advised to exercise caution when going there.

How to stay safe

To protect yourself, the Embassy recommended:

Using extra caution if using dating apps in Mexico
If you do agree to meet someone, only do so in a public place and avoid isolated locations
Tell a friend or family member your plans, including where you are going, details of the person you are meeting and the app you used to meet them
Trust your instincts. If something feels off, remove yourself from the situation
In case of emergency, call 911