The United States is cautioning against the use of dating applications following the reported deaths of 8 American citizens in Colombia.
The Department of State has cautioned American tourists against using dating applications while visiting Colombia due to a series of “suspicious deaths” of U.S. citizens in the South American nation.
Starting from January, Colombia has been classified as a nation that Americans should “think twice about visiting” due to concerns about crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Certain regions of the country, such as its border areas, are marked as “off-limits” for travel.
On Wednesday, a warning was issued concerning the use of dating apps in Colombia. The advisory mentions that between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, 2023, there were eight unexplained deaths of American citizens in Medellin, the second largest city in Colombia. These deaths are thought to be either drug overdoses or homicides, and while the State Department does not believe they are connected, some of them involved the use of online dating apps.
later found dead.
The advisory warns that individuals with malicious intent are utilizing dating apps to entice people to gather in public locations like hotels, restaurants, and bars. These individuals then proceed to attack and steal from their victims. Multiple American citizens in Colombia have reported being drugged, robbed, and even murdered by their Colombian dates.
According to the State Department, the occurrences occur in major urban areas such as Medellin, Cartagena, and Bogota. These incidents are often not reported, the State Department stated.
The advisory recommends that individuals using dating apps in Colombia should only arrange to meet in public areas and avoid secluded locations. It is also suggested to share your plans with a trusted friend or family member.
According to the advisory, the U.S. embassy in Colombia has noted a rise in reports of individuals being enticed through dating apps, coinciding with an increase in crimes targeting foreign tourists. In the final three months of 2023, there was a notable 200% surge in thefts against foreign visitors, as well as a 29% rise in violent fatalities. The majority of these fatalities were U.S. citizens.
Kerry Breen
Source: cbsnews.com