The U.S. Embassy in Mexico is warning that some American tourists in the country have been kidnapped by people they met on dating apps in recent months.
According to a June 2 press release from the U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara, kidnappings were confirmed in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco and Nuevo Nayarit, Nayarit, two popular beach destinations in the country.
"Victims and their family members in the United States have at times been extorted for large sums of money to secure their release," the embassy said. "Please be aware that this type of violence is not limited to one geographic area."
Officials urged tourists to exercise caution when meeting strangers, and to meet them in public spaces, avoiding isolated areas like houses or hotel rooms.
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for Mexico. Jalisco is under a "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" due to crime and kidnapping, while Nayarit is under a "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" due to crime.
