The U.S. Embassy in Colombia is urging travelers to exercise caution when using dating apps in the country because tourist deaths have been linked to their use.
The embassy said it knows of eight suspicious deaths of U.S. citizens in Medellin between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, and that several of them point to possible drugging, robbery and overdose. Several involve the use of online dating apps.
There also has been an increase in reported incidents involving the use of online dating applications to lure victims, typically foreigners, for robbery by force or using sedatives to drug and rob individuals.
The incidents are primarily happening in major cities such as Medellin, Cartagena, and Bogotá.
Travelers are urged to be vigilant, maintain heightened situational awareness, and protect themselves in the course of their activities while in Colombia.
The U.S. embassy recommends that if visitors meet with a stranger, they should "strongly consider meeting only in public places and avoiding isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms, where crimes are most likely to occur."
The embassy also said visitors should "tell a friend or family member of your plans, including where you are going, details of the person you are meeting, and the app you used to meet them. Victims who are targeted via online dating applications tend to have their electronic devices stolen." The devices often contain all evidence of communication with the assailants.
Currently, the U.S. has a Level 3 travel advisory issued for Colombia, which suggests that American travelers reconsider visiting Colombia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping.