Users of dating apps are being urged to do their research before meeting up with strangers.
Police in Auckland are investigating after a man was robbed by someone he met through gay dating app Grindr.
According to news site GayNZ, the perpetrators may be a group of straight men who use the app to lure victims.
It "appears linked to a connection made between parties through the social network app, Grindr", said Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Newman.
Netsafe's Martin Cocker said the use of dating apps in criminal activity is an ongoing concern.
"People who are using these services for the first time should do a little bit of research about the service and the challenges and risks that come with them -- certainly it will pay off if you ever do meet someone who's using it in a criminal way.
"They can use the tools that are available to investigate whether people have a good reputation in those online spaces, and they can take precautions in terms of meeting that person in a safe way."
The incident follows a spate of similar assaults and robberies of gay men in the central Auckland area.
"There are people who use these online meet-up tools for a criminal purpose, and many users of those services are not aware that people use them in that way."
Snr Sgt Newman said it's important to plan ahead.
"Always tells a friend where you are going and who you are meeting up with, and ensure they have your contact details," he told GayNZ.
Newshub.
