Medellin, Colombia – The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory warning Americans against using online dating apps while in Colombia, following a series of “suspicious deaths” in the country. According to the State Department, eight U.S. citizens were killed by involuntary drug overdoses or suspected homicides in the Colombian city of Medellin during the final months of 2023.
The State Department has cautioned that the deaths are not believed to be connected, but several of the victims had used online dating apps and then were either robbed, drugged, or killed afterwards. There has been an increase in these incidents reported to the U.S. Embassy in Colombia, with most of them occurring in major cities like Medellin, Cartagena, and Bogota.
The Tourism Observatory of the District Personnel of Medellin reported a 200% increase in thefts against foreign visitors and a 29% increase in violent deaths of foreign visitors in Colombia at the end of 2023. The majority of the victims were U.S. citizens. These types of crimes are often underreported, as victims may feel embarrassed or may not want to pursue legal action.
As a result, the State Department has categorized Colombia under a Level 3 “reconsider travel” advisory due to the prevalence of violent crime and terrorism in some parts of the country. In light of the advisory, the State Department has provided safety tips for travelers who plan to visit Colombia and potentially use dating apps. These tips include meeting strangers only in public places, informing a friend or family member of your plans, and not resisting any robbery attempts.
The State Department’s warning serves as a reminder for travelers to remain vigilant and to take precautions while in Colombia. As the country continues to attract visitors from around the world, it is essential for tourists to be aware of the potential risks and to prioritize their safety at all times.