Flight attendants at American Airlines have been warned against using dating apps in Jamaica after two of its employees were allegedly violently assaulted during their layover on the island.

It is reported that two flight attendants from the airline were recent victims of ‘violent crimes’ during a layover on the island. An update on the status of their health has not been given.

According to a release today (March 6) from Paddle Your Own Kanoo, a website for professionals in the field, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) issued the warning in a memo to flight attendants following the uptick in violent activity targeted against foreigners.

“The US Embassy in Jamaica has been informed of several crimes against United States citizens targeted through dating apps. These apps are being used to lure foreign visitors into meeting in public spaces such as hotels, restaurants, and bars, and then later assaulting, threatening, and/or robbing the victims. Local officials often do not make arrests or prosecute assailants in these cases,” APFSA stated in the memo.

They then urged flight attendants to refrain from sharing their hotel details with strangers and inviting them to their hotel rooms.

In January of this year, the US embassy said there have been several robberies reported in the last 18 months, with US citizens, particularly those from the LGBTQI+ communities being targeted.

Popular gay dating app Grindr also recently issued its own alert to users in Jamaica about an increase in violent crime, while the Equality for All Foundation Jamaica has also urged extra vigilance amongst the gay community.