SAINT PAUL, Minnesota – The State Department has issued a warning to American travelers, advising them against using dating apps while traveling to Colombia. This warning comes after several “suspicious deaths” of U.S. citizens in the South American country.
For several months now, Colombia has been labeled a country that Americans should “reconsider travel” to due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping risks. Some areas of the country, including its border regions, are labeled as “Do not travel” zones.
The recent advisory on 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 1 and December 31, 2023. These deaths are believed to be either forced overdoses or suspected homicides, and while they are not believed to be linked, several “involve the use of online dating applications.”
The U.S. embassy in Colombia has reported an increase in incidents involving dating apps as a lure over the past year. One tragic case involved Minnesota comedian Tou Ger Xiong, who was kidnapped and held for ransom after telling family he would be meeting with a woman he met online. He was later found dead.
The State Department advisory emphasizes the dangers of using dating apps in Colombia, warning that criminals use these platforms to lure victims to public places, where they are then assaulted and robbed. These incidents have been reported in major cities such as Medellin, Cartagena, and Bogota.
The advisory also highlights a significant rise in crimes committed against foreign visitors in Colombia, with a 200% increase in thefts and a 29% increase in violent deaths in the last trimester of 2023. Most notably, the victims of these violent deaths were U.S. citizens.
In light of these alarming developments, the State Department advises individuals using dating apps in Colombia to only meet in public places, avoid isolated locations, and share details of their plans with a friend or family member. This serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with online dating apps, especially in countries where crime and security concerns are prevalent.