FBI Phoenix
Brooke Brennan and Kevin Smith
(623) 466-1999
March 9, 2022

Precautions for Spring Break Travelers

TUCSON, AZ—FBI Phoenix advises the public to be vigilant of their surroundings and use caution when traveling during spring break. If traveling out of the country, the FBI warns of increased dangers of international travel, including crime, theft, fraud, and kidnapping.

As a first step in planning any trip abroad, check the travel advisories for your intended destination. The travel advisory system was designed to give U.S. citizens timely, clear, and reliable information regarding security threats abroad.

The following tips may help you feel more secure while traveling internationally:

  • Establish points of contact for your family to contact in the event of an emergency.
  • Avoid traveling alone, especially after dark. Be conscious of your surroundings and avoid areas you believe may put your personal safety at risk.
  • Use only authorized taxis/shuttles. Passengers have been robbed or kidnapped when using taxis.
  • Avoid actions that are illegal, improper, or indiscreet. Avoid offers of sexual companionship; they may lead to a room raid, photography, and blackmail.
  • Evade criminals by being aware of your surroundings and alert to the possibility of surveillance. Take mental notes of anyone following you and promptly report it to the appropriate security officials.
  • Beware of new acquaintances who probe for information about you or who attempt to get you involved in what could become a compromising situation.

Before finalizing plans, the FBI suggests you review the health and security alert issued by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico last week: https://mx.usembassy.gov/health-and-security-alert-spring-break-2022/

To view travel advisories for multiple countries, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/

For the current travel advisory for Mexico, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html

For more information on virtual kidnapping for ransom scams and how you can protect yourself, visit: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/phoenix/news/press-releases/fbi-warns-public-of-virtual-kidnapping-extortion-calls