Dating apps in tourist hot spots target Americans – how to protect yourself

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A Venezuelan national, Deivy Jose Rodriguez Delgado, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison by a Washington, D.C., judge for holding three American men hostage for ransom in the Dominican Republic. Delgado used dating apps to lure his victims, who he then picked up in his car under the alias “Sebastian”. Once in the car, an accomplice would join to restrain the victims for up to an hour while demanding ransom from their friends or family members. After receiving the ransom, the victims were robbed of their personal belongings and released.

Authorities in the Dominican Republic were able to trace a vehicle used in two of the abductions back to Delgado, leading to his arrest in September 2022. Following a trial, Delgado was convicted of conspiracy to commit hostage taking and three counts of hostage taking. In addition to his prison sentence, he will serve five years of probation and face deportation proceedings upon release.

Patrick McCall of McCall Risk Group, a private investigation agency, highlighted the prevalence of such scams targeting individuals using dating apps abroad. He emphasized the importance of meeting strangers in public places and sharing your whereabouts with someone you trust to prevent falling victim to these schemes. McCall also recommended conducting research on potential matches and using reverse image search tools to verify their identity.

By being cautious and taking necessary precautions, individuals can protect themselves from falling prey to romance scams orchestrated by sophisticated scammers. Playing hard-to-get on dating sites, setting boundaries, and doing due diligence can help in identifying and avoiding potential scams. Stay informed and stay safe while using dating apps to connect with others.