Overview

• U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico issued a security alert after confirming several Americans were kidnapped by individuals met on dating apps.
• Incidents in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit involved victims held for ransom with families extorted for large sums of money.
• Jalisco is designated Level 3 (reconsider travel) and Nayarit Level 2 (exercise increased caution) under the State Department’s travel advisory.
• Authorities suspect Mexican cartels are using online dating platforms to target and abduct tourists for extortion.
• The State Department recommends meeting in public places, sharing itineraries with contacts and avoiding isolated homes or hotel rooms.