The United States Consulate General of Guadalajara, Mexico is warning people who visit Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Nayarit in particular to avoid being kidnapped for ransom via dating apps. The news comes amid Pride Month and the summer tourist season.
“Victims and their family members in the United States have at times been extorted for large sums of money to secure their release,” a June 2 statement read. “Please be aware that this type of violence is not limited to one geographic area. Travelers should use caution when meeting strangers; meet only in public places and avoid isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms, where crimes are most likely to occur.”
The consulate stated that reports have been confirmed of several U.S. citizens being kidnapped through dating apps.
Guadalajara is the capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco, which also contains Puerto Vallarta, a popular resort and party destination for LGBTQ people, particularly Americans. Nuevo Nayarit is nearby in the state of Nayarit.
The consulate advised visitors to “be cautious if using online dating apps in Mexico” and to “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,” the consulate stated. “Trust your instincts. If something does not feel right, do not hesitate to remove yourself from a situation.”
The statement did not refer to any particular case, and nothing about sexual orientation or gender identity was mentioned. However, Out and About Puerto Vallarta reported that in Puerto Vallarta on May 6, an American citizen was lured to an apartment complex and then kidnapped, assaulted, and held for between $5,000 and $10,000 ransom. The victim was then moved to Nayarit before they were rescued by Mexican police working in tandem with the FBI. It is unclear if the victim was male or female but the alleged assailant, Edwin Aran “N,” was apprehended May 9, Out and About Puerto Vallarta reported, citing the state prosecutor’s office there.
In its statement, the U.S. Consulate General reminded U.S. citizens that in the State Department’s travel advisory for Mexico , Jalisco is classified as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping, and Nayarit is classified as “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime.
“If faced with immediate security threats, please contact local police by dialing ‘911’ on any telephone,” the statement read. “U.S. citizens in need of emergency consular services should contact their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.”
Kirk Dalrymple, a gay travel agent with Yankee Clipper Travel in San Francisco’s LGBTQ Castro neighborhood, told the Bay Area Reporter people shouldn’t overreact, but that nonetheless he wouldn’t use dating apps.
“I send tons of people to Vallarta,” Dalrymple said. “What you read is correct, but you could be writing it about Oakland or San Francisco.”
Asked about the apps, he said, “My recommendation to my clients is don’t do it.”
“There’s a big, wonderful bathhouse in Vallarta," he said.
Indeed, Sauna Spartacus is four floors and is in the Zona Romántica neighborhood popular with expats and LGBTQ folks.
“They [clients] loved it,” Dalrymple said. “They went almost every night. You can meet someone in person and get a better feel for them that way.”
Dalrymple also recommended the Blue Chairs Resort by the Sea.
“People go in the day and meet tricks,” he said.
The Mexican Consulate in San Francisco, as well as the apps Grindr, Scruff, Jack’d, and Sniffies, did not return requests for comment.
The LGBTQ Agenda column is taking a summer hiatus and will return Tuesday, July 15.
LGBTQ Agenda is an online column that appears weekly. Got a tip on queer news? Contact John Ferrannini at [email protected]