The U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara is warning travelers after confirming several recent cases of U.S. citizens being kidnapped in the Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit areas of Mexico.
According to officials, the victims met their abductors through dating apps. In some cases, family members in the United States were later extorted for large sums of money to secure their release.
Recommended Videos
The Consulate reminds travelers that this type of crime is not limited to one area and urges caution when meeting strangers. Officials recommend meeting only in public places and avoiding private residences or hotel rooms.
The U.S. State Department currently classifies travel to Jalisco as Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to crime and kidnapping, while Nayarit is listed as Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.
Anyone facing an immediate security threat is urged to call 911 in Mexico. U.S. citizens in need of emergency assistance can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
READ MORE: Cartel suspected of killing 5 Mexican band members found near Texas border