Following a surge of kidnapping incidents targeting Americans who met perpetrators through dating applications, the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico issued a security alert on June 2, 2025, warning citizens about escalating dangers in popular tourist destinations. Multiple U.S. citizens have been kidnapped after meeting individuals through dating platforms in recent months, with incidents concentrated in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit areas.
U.S. Embassy warns Americans of kidnapping surge linked to dating apps in popular Mexican tourist destinations.
Criminal organizations exploit dating apps as recruitment platforms, arranging meetings with unsuspecting victims before executing kidnapping schemes. These crimes typically occur in isolated locations, including private residences and hotel rooms, where perpetrators hold victims for extortion purposes. Criminals frequently demand large financial payments for release, sometimes targeting family members in the United States for ransom payments.
The violence reflects broader global patterns rather than Mexico-specific problems, according to security experts. The United States leads the world in dating app kidnapping cases, with recent incidents including a spring 2025 Los Angeles attack where four individuals robbed and shot a victim met through dating services. These patterns extend internationally with cases like Grace Millane being found dead after meeting someone on Tinder in New Zealand. Bobby McDonald, retired supervisory Secret Service agent, characterizes these schemes as “the next level” of criminal activity, advising users adopt a “buyer beware” approach when utilizing dating platforms.
Current State Department classifications reflect heightened security concerns, with Jalisco designated “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” because of crime and kidnapping risks, whereas Nayarit maintains “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” status. These warnings arrive during peak summer travel season, affecting popular destinations where tourists frequently use dating services. The U.S. Department of State maintains that the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas is their highest priority.
Security professionals recommend meeting exclusively in public locations with reliable cell phone service, avoiding isolated venues entirely. Users should inform trusted contacts about meeting details, including information about individuals and applications used, as well as maintaining heightened situational awareness throughout encounters. Experts highlight trusting instincts and departing immediately when situations feel threatening.
Authorities have not disclosed which specific dating applications are being exploited or announced arrests related to these kidnapping operations. The U.S. Consulate General continues providing emergency consular services for affected citizens as officials monitor this evolving criminal frontier targeting vulnerable tourists through sophisticated digital deception tactics.
