Yeah, happens all the time in Mexico as well. I lived there for 3 years. Mostly on the dating apps because they can set them up in advance. It is easy money for them, AND nowadays, they don't take too kind to Americans because all of the deportation stuff.
Just BE CAREFUL, and don't become a statistic. NEVER leave your drink alone in a bar, always order something bottled that you can witness it being opened. NEVER walk out on the streets after 10pm, and def use a hotel that has very high security, which will weed out all of the low and mid level thieves and robbers (The narcos still own the high level ones, but the narcos try not to allow harm to Americans due to loss in tourist revenue).
Always try to get the girl to send you her ID before you agree to meet and explain why you need it. The honest ones will have no problem providing it. And don't get bullied my supposed 'booking agents' or 'managers' who threaten to fuck you up if you break a date with a provider. They will send you photos of guns and tell you that you gotta pay because they know where you live. Don't fall for it.
Low level local police are useless and ALWAYS on the take. State and federal level policia are better.
. Some of this is just common sense, the rest idk about based off my personal experiences.
