Warning for online daters

Andy King says people get a false sense of security when they are chatting online. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Internet daters aren't doing enough to protect themselves from sexual predators, warn police.

Head of Auckland's adult sexual assault team, Detective Sergeant Andy King, knew of at least five cases in his area when meetings set up through sites had "turned ugly".

Victims went to the offender's house on the first meeting, or told them where they lived.

"For some reason some people get ... a false sense of security by chatting online and think they get to know somebody that way, and think it's okay to give their personal details," said King.

In March, Waikato police warned people using internet dating sites after a sexual attack.