U.S. urges Americans in Colombia to avoid dating apps after 8 deaths

Summary

The transcript describes a news report about a warning from the U.S. Embassy in Colombia regarding the dangers of using dating apps while traveling in the country. Eight American citizens have died under suspicious circumstances recently while visiting Colombia, possibly linked to meeting people through dating apps. An example is given of Tou Ger Xiong, a Minnesota artist and activist who was kidnapped and killed in Colombia in December 2022 after arranging a date. The Embassy has seen an increase in incidents involving dating apps used to lure victims, often foreigners, into situations where they are robbed or drugged. Major cities in Colombia have seen a rise in murders of foreign visitors. Most victims were American, and Americans make up a large portion of Colombia's tourism industry. The Embassy is advising travelers not to physically resist if being robbed, as that makes people more likely to be killed. They recommend meeting in public places, telling others about plans and who you'll be with, and trusting instincts if something feels unsafe. Despite the warnings, tragedies continue and leave families mourning from afar without answers or justice in some cases.

Takeaways

• 8 Americans have died under suspicious circumstances at a popular tourist destination in Colombia
• The US Embassy is urging travelers not to use dating apps in Colombia due to criminals using them to lure victims
• Victims are often drugged, robbed, or even killed after being contacted via dating apps
• At least 8 recent American deaths in Colombia may be linked to dating app use
• Tou Ger Xiong, an American artist, was kidnapped and killed in Colombia after asking his brother for money during a dating app meetup gone wrong
• Officials have seen an increase in incidents involving dating apps used to lure foreign victims for robbery or drugging/robbing
• Murders of foreign visitors in Colombia went up 29% in late 2023 compared to 2022
• US citizens made up most of the foreign victims killed in Colombia recently
• Americans make up 30% of foreign travelers in Colombia, drawn in by its beauty despite the dangers
• No arrests have been announced in Tou Ger Xiong's case, leaving loved ones to mourn from thousands of miles away

Q & A

What warning is the US Embassy in Colombia giving American travelers?

The Embassy is urging Americans not to use dating apps while visiting Colombia due to criminals using them to lure, rob, and sometimes kill victims.

How many recent American deaths in Colombia may be linked to dating app use?

At least 8 recent American deaths in Colombia may be linked to dating app use and meetings gone wrong.

What happened to Tou Ger Xiong after using a dating app in Colombia?

Tou Ger Xiong was kidnapped and killed in Colombia after asking his brother for money during a dangerous dating app meetup where he was unable to pay the ransom.

What has happened to murders of foreign visitors in Colombia in late 2023?

Murders of foreign visitors in Colombia went up 29% in late 2023 compared to 2022.

What percentage of foreign travelers in Colombia are Americans?

Americans make up 30% of foreign travelers in Colombia.

Have any arrests been made in Tou Ger Xiong's death?

No arrests have been announced in Tou Ger Xiong's case so far.

How can travelers stay safer when meeting people from dating apps?

Go to public places, tell friends/family details about your plans and the person you're meeting, and trust your instincts - if something feels off, get to safety.

What has happened to crime against foreign visitors in major Colombian cities?

Crime and violence against foreign visitors in major Colombian cities has been increasing.

How are dating apps used to target foreign victims in Colombia?

Criminals use dating apps to lure foreign victims into meetups where they are then drugged, robbed, or subjected to violence.

Even with the warnings, why do Americans still visit Colombia?

Americans are drawn to Colombia's beauty as a travel destination despite the recent dangers - they make up 30% of foreign tourists there.