With the summer travel season approaching, officials are issuing a security alert to U.S. citizens who are using dating apps in certain areas of Mexico, warning of a rise in kidnappings linked to these platforms. The U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico recently shared a security alert, confirming several reports of U.S. citizens being kidnapped by individuals the victims met on dating apps in recent months.
Bobby McDonald, a retired supervisory Secret Service agent and lecturer in criminal justice at the University of New Haven, expressed his concerns about the risks of using dating apps. In an interview with Fox News Digital, McDonald urged travelers to be extra cautious, advising them to meet individuals in public areas with reliable cell phone service and to maintain situational awareness. He emphasized that travelers should share their travel plans with loved ones and have emergency contact information readily available.
The alert was issued for specific areas, including Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit. The U.S. Consulate General noted that while Jalisco is currently classified as a Level 3 risk (reconsider travel), Nayarit is rated at Level 2 (exercise increased caution) due to crime. McDonald, however, emphasized that the level of risk is not the only factor to consider. Instead, he advised travelers to do research about their destinations and assess the situation before deciding to visit.