Federal officials warn that US citizens visiting Mexico may be at risk of being lured by people who seduce them through dating apps.
According to a news release, Consul General Guadalajara of the US Consulate warned that victims of such a scheme have been lured in Puerto Varalta and Nuevonayarit regions in recent months. The consulate did not say how often this type of crime occurred or whether the suspect was arrested.
The victim and his family were forced with a large amount of money to be released, officials said. Some of the victims met prisoners in their homes and hotel rooms.
Authorities did not specify the dating apps used, but urged people to be careful while using dating apps in Mexico. Authorities also suggested that app users meet only in public places, avoid isolated places, and that the app is being used where they plan to go to their loved ones, details of who they are meeting, and that the app is being used. They also advised people to trust their instincts and call 911 in emergencies.
The state of Jalisco, Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta, is classified as “Level 3: Reconsideration Trip” due to its lure and crime. The state of Nayarit, including the city of Nuevo Nayarit, is classified as “Level 2: Exercise Caution” due to crime.
Dating apps are also used in the US to target victims.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department this spring, four people robbed and shot victims they met on dating sites.
On April 28, the male victim met a woman he connected on a dating site near South Occidental Boulevard and Beverly Boulevard, according to LAPD. Two more people arrived in the car, and one man pointed a gun at the victim and demanded his property. The assailant then walked through his car and forced the victim to hand over the phone and provide a lock code.
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