MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – The State Department has issued a travel advisory to American travelers, specifically advising against the use of dating apps while traveling to Colombia. This warning follows the occurrence of “suspicious deaths” of U.S. citizens in the South American country.
Colombia has been labeled as a country that American travelers should “reconsider” visiting due to the risks of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas, particularly border regions, are advised as “Do not travel” areas. The warning against using dating apps in Colombia was prompted by “eight suspicious deaths of private U.S. citizens” in Medellin, Colombia’s second-largest city, between November and December 2023.
The incidents are believed to be either forced overdoses or suspected homicides and are not believed to be linked. However, several of these incidents “involve the use of online dating applications,” as noted by the State Department. The U.S. embassy in Colombia has reported an increase in incidents involving dating apps over the past year, with cases of luring, assault, robbery, and even death.
A Minnesota artist and activist, Tou Ger Xiong, was a victim of such an incident. He was kidnapped and held for ransom after arranging to meet a woman he met online, later found dead. The State Department advisory emphasizes the dangers of criminals using dating apps to lure victims into public places before assaulting and robbing them. These incidents are not limited to Colombia’s major cities, including Medellin, Cartagena, and Bogota, and often go underreported.
Furthermore, the advisory urges individuals to exercise caution when using dating apps in Colombia, recommending that they only meet in public places, avoid isolated locations, and share their plans with a friend or family member. These incidents of luring by dating apps have contributed to a significant increase in thefts and violent deaths against foreign visitors in Colombia, particularly impacting U.S. citizens.
In summary, the State Department’s travel advisory serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with using dating apps while traveling to Colombia, especially for American travelers. It underscores the importance of exercising caution and situational awareness when using such platforms in a foreign country to ensure personal safety.