Cyber safety organisation Netsafe says people should look out for themselves when meeting for the first time someone they have befriended on the internet - especially if they have travelled across the world to do so.
Netsafe operations manager Lee Chisholm said a case such as that of a German woman who came to Dunedin to meet a man she had befriended on the internet, but found when she got to the city that the man was not as he portrayed himself to be, could be avoided if basic precautions were taken.
People meeting new internet friends had to be cautious if they were considering a face-to-face encounter, just as they should if arranging to meet someone they had only written to or spoken to on the telephone.
They should meet in a busy public place and take a friend, if possible.
"Remember, people can pretend to be someone they're not on the internet. Spending a lot of money and travelling a long way to meet them should be considered very carefully."
Having a webcam conversation before arranging a meeting was recommended as it gave a sense of the person, their expressions, tone and personality, Ms Chisholm said.
If a meeting was arranged, and they felt uncomfortable, they should make an excuse and leave immediately.
It was also prudent to be careful about giving out personal details both before meeting any friends made over the internet, and when people did meet them.
"It is true - people can and do lie about who they are online," Ms Chisolm said.
