Aussie tourists drugged and robbed in terrifying ‘Devil’s Breath’ dating scam overseas

Aussies are being warned about criminals ensnaring them in a terrifying new dating honeytrap, where victims lose memory for more than 24 hours. SEE THE VIDEO

Aussie tourists are being drugged and robbed abroad in a terrifying dating app scam that’s exploded in popularity.

The scam is increasingly common in parts of Latin America, particularly Colombia.

Unsuspecting tourists meet someone through a dating app, go on multiple dates — then suddenly wake up with no memory and no possessions.

Paul Trotter, Intelligence and Security Leader at travel risk management company World Travel Protection, said this is “not an urban myth” but an underreported crime, as many victims feel shame and embarrassment.

“Generally speaking, men are the intended targets for this scam,” Mr Trotter said.

“Which is not to say that women aren’t dosed with scopolamine, but men face a much higher frequency and are targeted for different reasons, namely robbery.

“In countries like Australia, women are far more likely to have a drink spiked than men, and so they know to protect themselves from it, but in countries like Colombia with scopolamine – or Burundanga as it is known locally – men are frequently targeted.”

Tourists are ensnared via popular dating apps.

The victims are drugged with a potent, odourless substance called scopolamine – but commonly referred to as ‘Devil’s Breath’ - which can be slipped into a drink, food or even a cigarette.

Victims often lose memory for more than 24 hours, during which time their phones, wallets, passports and other valuables are stolen.

“The lack of evidence also makes it extremely difficult to attribute robberies to scopolamine,” Mr Trotter said.

Inside travel risk management company World Travel Protection, which hleps victims. Picture: Supplied

“But the US State Department was so concerned about the drug’s use, they issued a warning to travellers specifically about the use of dating apps in scopolamine robberies.

“Not much has changed since then – and in fact the Australian Government, via its Smarttraveller website, has recently issued a similar warning saying that cases are on the rise in Colombia and Australians are among those targeted.”

Paul Trotter says it is an underreported crime as many victims feel shame and embarrassment. Picture: Supplied

Scopolamine, also known as hyoscine, or Devil's Breath, is a medication used to treat motion sickness and postoperative nausea and vomiting.

Smarttraveller reports a rise in foreigners, including Australians, being assaulted and robbed using incapacitating drugs.

The Australian Government warns: “Criminals in Colombia use drugs to subdue their victims, including foreign citizens. Robberies and assaults occur after victims accept spiked food, drinks, cigarettes or chewing gum.

Some victims have been killed.

“Many incidents involve online dating apps to lure victims.”

In countries like Colombia with scopolamine – or Burundanga as it is known locally – men are frequently targeted. Picture: Getty Images

World Travel Protection is urging Australians to report suspicious incidents and seek help, even if they feel embarrassed.

“We know that when people call us for help, they’re experiencing feelings of embarrassment or even shame – often they simply have no idea what has happened,” Mr Trotter said.

“However, it’s important people call their insurance company or travel risk management provider as we can help them understand what has happened and assist them in finding appropriate support.”

Smarttraveller also advises tourists to “stick to reputable venues,” avoid isolated locations, and “get urgent medical help if you suspect you’ve been a victim.”

If you believe you’ve been drugged while overseas, report it to local police, seek medical help immediately, and contact your travel insurer.

Originally published as Aussie tourists drugged and robbed in terrifying ‘Devil’s Breath’ dating scam overseas