Medellin, Colombia – The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory warning Americans about the dangers of using online dating apps while in Colombia, following a series of “suspicious deaths” in the country. The advisory comes after eight U.S. citizens were killed by drug overdoses or suspected homicides in the city of Medellin in the final months of 2023, according to the State Department.
Although officials do not believe the deaths are linked, several of the victims had used online dating apps and were subsequently robbed, drugged, or killed. The State Department stated, “Criminals use dating apps to lure victims to meet in public places such as hotels, restaurants, and bars, and then later assault and rob them.”
Reports of such incidents have been on the rise and are often underreported due to victims feeling embarrassed or not wanting to engage in the judicial process. The number of thefts against foreign visitors in Colombia increased by 200% at the end of 2023 compared to the previous year, and violent deaths of foreign visitors increased by 29%, with most victims being U.S. citizens, according to the Tourism Observatory of the District Personnel of Medellin.
As a result, the State Department has placed Colombia under a Level 3 “reconsider travel” advisory due to the level of violent crime and terrorism in some parts of the country. In light of these risks, officials have offered tips for travelers using dating apps in Colombia, emphasizing the importance of meeting in public places, establishing security measures with hotels, and informing friends and family of plans and details about potential dates.
The State Department’s warning reinforces the importance of exercising caution and situational awareness, particularly when using online dating apps, in order to avoid potentially dangerous situations while visiting Colombia. That being said, it is crucial for travelers to remain informed about the potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety in foreign countries.