State Department warns travelers ing dating apps in Mexico

(Gray News) - The State Department is warning travelers to avoid using dating apps while in Mexico.

The U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara has confirmed several reports of U.S. citizens being kidnapped by people they met on dating apps while in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and Nuevo Nayarit, Nayarit.

According to the U.S. Consulate General, some of the victims and their families have been extorted for large amounts of money to secure their release.

For U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico, the U.S. Consulate General said it is important to:

Be cautious if using online dating apps in Mexico
Meet only in public places and avoid isolated locations
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
Remove yourself if the situation does not feel right
In case of emergency, call 911

If faced with immediate security threats, travelers can call 911. U.S. citizens in need of emergency consular services should their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.