Friday, August 23, 2024 The United States Embassy in Buenos Aires has issued a cautionary alert to American travelers planning to visit the Argentine capital, highlighting a surge in incidents involving “black widows”—women who drug and rob their unsuspecting partners. This disturbing trend has raised concerns among tourists and prompted the embassy to take preventive action by informing U.S.
citizens of the potential risks they might face. The term “black widow” in this context refers to women who, with malicious intent, target mostly older men they meet in social settings such as bars or through dating apps. These women often lure their victims with the promise of companionship, only to drug them and steal their belongings.
The modus operandi has become increasingly prevalent in Buenos Aires, making it a growing concern for both locals and visitors. The preferred drug in these scams is reportedly clonazepam, a potent sedative that, when administered in food or drink, can render a person unconscious or severely impaired. This allows the perpetrators to easily rob their victims, taking valuable items such as wallets, watches, and electronic devices.
The fact that the victims are often unable to recall the events due to the drug’s effects further complicates the situation. In response to the alarming increase in such incidents, the US Embassy in Buenos Aires issued an official alert, urging American travelers to be vigilant. The embassy emphasized that this advisor.