The department warned that accepting free drinks could lead to robbery. Photo / iStock
The US state department's bureau of consular affairs has apologised after suggesting on Twitter that unattractive Americans should be wary if a good-looking local offers to buy them a drink.
As part of its "#springbreakingbadly" series, targeting travelling students, the department warned those who were not considered attractive in the
United States to be vigilant if someone offered to buy them a drink in a bar overseas - as it was likely to be a scam.
The tweet read said "Not a '10' in the US? Then not a 10 overseas. Beware of being lured into buying expensive drinks or worse - being robbed. #springbreakingbadly".
The well-meaning warning attracted plenty of criticism and ridicule on social media.
