ST. PAUL, Minn. – The State Department has issued a warning to American travelers, advising them against using dating apps while visiting Colombia due to multiple “suspicious deaths” of U.S. citizens in the country. Since January, Colombia has been labeled as a country that Americans should “reconsider travel” to because of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping risks. Certain areas of the country, including its border regions, are labeled “Do not travel.”
The advisory about using dating apps in Colombia was shared recently, following eight suspicious deaths of private U.S. citizens in Medellin, Colombia’s second-largest city, between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2023. The deaths are believed to be either forced overdose or suspected homicides, and several “involve the use of online dating applications,” according to the State Department.
The U.S. embassy in Colombia has seen an increase in reports of incidents involving dating apps as bait over the last year, with Minnesota comedian Tou Ger Xiong being kidnapped and later found dead after telling family he would be meeting with a woman he met online. The advisory warns that criminals use dating apps to lure victims to meet in public places such as hotels, restaurants, and bars, and then later assault and rob them. Incidents such as drugging, robbing, and even killing of U.S. citizens by their Colombian dates have been reported.
The advisory also advises those using dating apps in Colombia to only meet in public places, avoid isolated locations, and share details of their plans with a friend or family member. The United States embassy in Colombia had seen increased reports of people being lured by dating apps amid a rise in crimes committed against foreign visitors. In the last trimester of 2023, there was a 200% increase in thefts against foreign visitors, and a 29% increase in violent deaths, with most of the victims being U.S. citizens.
In conclusion, the State Department’s advisory serves as a reminder for American travelers to exercise caution and remain vigilant when using dating apps in Colombia, given the heightened risks and dangers associated with such activities in the country. It emphasizes the importance of safety measures such as meeting in public places, avoiding isolated locations, and sharing plans with a trusted individual. These precautions are vital for ensuring the well-being and security of individuals traveling to Colombia.