U.S. Warns Against Use of Dating Apps in Colombia Following 'Suspicious Deaths'

Eight American tourists died in Medellin in late 2023, with several incidents linked to dating apps, prompting a State Department alert.

Eight U.S. citizens died in Medellin, Colombia, between November and December 2023, in incidents involving involuntary drug overdose or suspected homicide, several of which involved the use of dating apps.
Victims are lured to public places through dating apps, where they are assaulted and robbed, with many incidents resulting in drugging, robbery, and even death.
Reports of such incidents have increased, especially in major cities like Medellin, Cartagena, and Bogota, but many crimes go unreported due to victims' embarrassment or reluctance to engage with the judicial process.
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.
The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Colombia, advising travelers to reconsider due to high levels of violent crime and terrorism.