The U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara has issued a security alert following multiple reports of U.S. citizens being kidnapped by individuals they met through dating apps in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit, Mexico. Victims have reportedly been extorted for large sums of money to secure their release.
The consulate advises travelers to exercise caution when meeting strangers from dating apps, suggesting meetings occur only in public places and avoiding isolated locations like residences or hotel rooms. This advice is part of a broader warning that such incidents are not confined to specific geographic areas.
In the State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico, Jalisco is categorized as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping risks, while Nayarit is marked as “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime concerns. In case of immediate security threats, the local police can be contacted by dialing “911.”
The consulate has provided guidance for U.S. citizens using dating apps in Mexico: remain cautious, meet in public venues, inform friends or family about your plans including details of the person you are meeting and the app used, and trust your instincts if something feels amiss.
For emergency consular services, U.S. citizens should reach out to their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Contact numbers are available for assistance both from within Mexico and the United States.