U.S. officials have issued an urgent warning for American tourists in Mexico after multiple citizens were kidnapped following connections made on dating apps, with victims’ families forced to pay substantial ransoms for their release.

At a Glance

• U.S. citizens have been kidnapped in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit after meeting individuals through dating apps
• Victims and their families have been extorted for large sums of money for their release
• Jalisco is classified as “Level 3: Reconsider travel” while Nayarit is “Level 2: Exercise increased caution”
• Travelers are advised to meet strangers only in public places and inform others of their plans
• Anyone feeling in danger should immediately call 911 for assistance

Dating App Danger Zone

The U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Mexico have issued a formal warning about a disturbing trend of kidnappings linked to dating apps in specific regions of Mexico. American tourists in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and Nuevo Nayarit, Nayarit, have been targeted after connecting with individuals through online dating platforms. These incidents are not isolated cases but appear to be part of organized criminal operations designed to extract ransoms from vulnerable tourists who believed they were meeting potential romantic partners.

The kidnapping operations follow a similar pattern: tourists connect with locals through dating apps, arrange to meet, and are subsequently abducted. Once captured, victims’ families receive demands for substantial ransom payments. Security experts note that criminals specifically target Americans believing they or their families have the financial means to pay significant ransoms. The actual number of victims remains unclear as many cases likely go unreported due to fear or embarrassment.

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco and Nuevo Nayarit, Nayarit, Mexico: Reports of U.S. citizens kidnapped by people met on dating apps. Travelers should use caution; meet in public places and avoid isolated spots. More at https://t.co/unKV8NZu9o pic.twitter.com/0qS2utyHgu

— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) June 2, 2025

Travel Advisory Levels

The State Department currently ranks Jalisco, home to popular tourist destination Puerto Vallarta, as a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” area. This serious designation indicates substantial safety concerns for American travelers. Meanwhile, neighboring Nayarit carries a slightly lower risk assessment at “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.” These classifications reflect the varying degrees of criminal activity across Mexican states and underscore the importance of understanding regional safety differences when planning travel to Mexico.

“Dating apps have been tied to the kidnappings of some U.S. citizens in Mexico, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Mexico warn.” Dating apps tied to kidnappings of U.S. citizens in Mexico: U.S. Embassy

While these regions have long been popular vacation destinations for Americans seeking beaches and warm weather, the current warning highlights specific risks associated with dating app use. The advisory comes amid broader concerns about safety in Mexico, where criminal organizations often operate with relative impunity in certain areas. American tourists are particularly vulnerable as they may be unfamiliar with local danger zones and safety protocols that residents know to observe.

Dating apps tied to U.S. citizens kidnapped in Mexico, officials warn https://t.co/PyGXh5ee4U

— FOX 5 San Diego (@fox5sandiego) June 3, 2025

Safety Recommendations

The Embassy has issued specific guidance for Americans traveling to these regions who still wish to use dating apps. First and foremost, visitors should only meet new acquaintances in public, well-populated areas like restaurants or coffee shops during daylight hours. Private locations such as residences or hotel rooms should be strictly avoided during initial meetings, as these isolated settings provide optimal conditions for criminal activity with minimal witness presence or security intervention.

“Travelers should use caution when meeting strangers; meet only in public places and avoid isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms, where crimes are most likely to occur,” the U.S. Embassy wrote in its warning. “Dating apps tied to kidnappings of U.S. citizens in Mexico: U.S. Embassy

Additional safety measures include informing friends or family members about meeting plans, including the location and expected duration. Travelers should share the name and contact information of the person they’re meeting when possible. Maintaining regular check-ins with trusted contacts provides an additional safety net. The Embassy also emphasizes the importance of having a charged phone with emergency contacts readily accessible and knowing that 911 works throughout Mexico for immediate assistance in dangerous situations.

The warning serves as a sobering reminder that even popular tourist destinations require vigilance and common sense. For Americans planning trips to Mexico, understanding these risks and taking appropriate precautions can mean the difference between an enjoyable vacation and a potentially life-threatening situation.

Sources:

Is Mexico safe to go to right not? : r/travel

Dating apps tied to kidnappings of U.S. citizens in Mexico: U.S. Embassy

US citizens kidnappings in Mexico tied to dating apps, officials warn