Police have issued a warning about online dating scams, saying more and more people are finding themselves in dangerous situations.

According to the latest Counties Manukau police newsletter, there have been a number of cases across Auckland where victims meeting up with people they have met online have been assaulted and robbed.

Police are investigating one complaint from a man who met someone on Skype, then the activities they engaged in were recorded and used against him in an extortion attempt.

They urge people using online dating to keep personal information safe, realise profiles may be fake, think about taking a friend on the first date, meet in a public place, and not be afraid to contact police if they have a bad experience.