The US Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, warns Americans traveling to the country not to use dating apps after eight “suspicious deaths” of private US citizens.
According to the embassy, the deaths (potentially involuntary drug abuse or alleged homicides) occurred in Medellín between November 1 and December 31, 2023.
“Over the past year, the Embassy has seen an increase in reports of incidents related to the use of online dating applications to lure victims, usually foreigners, for forcible robbery or the use of sedatives to drug and rob to people,” the embassy said. The Embassy said it regularly receives reports of incidents of this type occurring in major cities, such as Medellín, Cartagena and Bogotá.
“Criminals use dating apps to lure victims to meet in public places such as hotels, restaurants and bars, and then assault and rob them. Numerous American citizens in Colombia have been drugged, robbed and even murdered by their Colombian dates.” he added she.
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Investigators said the deaths do not appear to be related, as each involves different circumstances. (François LOCHON/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)
Investigators said the deaths do not appear to be related, as each involves different circumstances, but several point to “possible drug, robbery and overdose, and several involve the use of online dating apps.”
“U.S. citizens should remain vigilant, maintain heightened situational awareness, and incorporate strong personal safety practices into their activities,” the embassy advisory said.
In a warning published Wednesday, the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá urges U.S. citizens to “use caution” if traveling and using dating apps in Colombia.
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“If you meet a stranger, you should seriously consider meeting only in public places and avoiding isolated places, such as residences or hotel rooms, where crimes are more likely to occur,” the posted warning reads.
A view of the logo of the United States Department of State in Washington DC, the United States, on January 9, 2023. (Celal Gunes/Anadolu Agency)
“If you invite a person you just met to your residence or hotel room, talk to your doorman/concierge beforehand and establish a policy on what information your new visitor must provide before being granted entry (photo ID , etc.) and what process should be followed when the visitor leaves,” he continues.
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The notice also encourages communication with friends and family, notifying them where the traveler will go, who they will meet, and the app used to connect with them.
“Victims who are attacked through online dating apps often have their electronic devices stolen, which often contain all evidence of communication with the attackers,” the embassy said.
Carlos Fernando Galán speaks during his inauguration ceremony as mayor of Bogotá in Bogotá, Colombia, on January 1, 2024. (Sebastián Barros/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The embassy instructs people to use their instincts and not hesitate to flee a situation that is not attractive to them.
And, in case the traveler is robbed, the embassy recommends not physically resisting. “Crime victims who resist robbery are more likely to be murdered,” she says.
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According to the Medellín District Personnel Tourism Observatory, thefts from foreign visitors increased 200 percent during the 2023 closure compared to the previous year. Violent deaths also increased.
The majority of victims of violent deaths through 2023 were US citizens, the Colombian city said.
