Medellin, Colombia – The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory urging Americans to exercise caution when using online dating apps in Colombia. This warning comes after the deaths of eight U.S. citizens in Medellin, where they were victims of involuntary drug overdoses and suspected homicides.
The State Department emphasized that it does not believe the deaths are linked, but noted that several of the victims had used online dating apps before being robbed, drugged, or killed. The advisory stated that criminals use these apps to lure victims into public places, such as hotels, restaurants, and bars, where they are then assaulted and robbed.
Most of these incidents have been reported in major cities like Medellin, Cartagena, and Bogota. However, the embassy also pointed out that these crimes are often underreported because victims are either embarrassed or reluctant to go through the judicial process.
The tourism observatory of Medellin reported a 200% increase in thefts against foreign visitors in 2023 compared to the previous year, along with a 29% increase in violent deaths of foreign visitors, with the majority of the victims being U.S. citizens. As a result, Colombia is currently under a Level 3 “reconsider travel” advisory from the State Department due to the high level of violent crime and terrorism in some parts of the country.
To ensure the safety of travelers, the State Department offered several tips for those who will continue to use dating apps in Colombia. These include meeting in public places, informing a friend or family member of your plans, and trusting your instincts if something doesn’t feel right.
This travel advisory serves as an important reminder for Americans to exercise caution and be vigilant when using online dating apps, particularly in foreign countries with higher rates of violent crime. The safety and security of travelers, especially in light of recent incidents, should be a top priority for anyone considering traveling to Colombia.