A man attempting to purchase a motorbike in Hamilton through a Facebook page was lured to a property and robbed of cash at gunpoint.

The man had travelled from New Plymouth to Hamilton on Monday to make the deal he had arranged through the motorbike trading page.

He arrived at the Five Crossroads shops, the arranged meeting point, and was told by the 'seller' he had to travel to a Gordonton property.

When the buyer arrived at the property a man opened a farm gate to let the car and trailer in, before a second man confronted the victim brandishing a gun, said Detective Russell Crawford of the Ngaruawahia CIB.

"The pair have taken the victim's money he intended purchasing the motorbike with and fled in a getaway vehicle driven by a third offender."

Crawford said the offenders made the man lie on the ground and threatened to shoot him several times.

"The man was so shaken he didn't call 111 and instead began to drive home, flagging down the first police car he saw which was in Otorohanga."

A police patrol stopped on SH3 about 4pm to help the man.

"Obviously with the benefit of hindsight police would recommend calling 111 immediately, but the man was obviously in an emotional and stressed state."

Crawford said while police work closely with internet based selling companies, social media based operations were increasing and he urged potential buyers to take some simple safety precautions.

Police were investigating the gunpoint robbery.

TIPS FOR SAFETY

- Where possible avoid paying cash, instead make a bank payment so there is an auditable trail of the transaction

- Avoid carrying large some of cash and if you must use this form of payment, ensure you go with someone else and conduct the transaction in a well lit, public place where you can be seen

- Obtain as much detail of the seller as you can prior to the purchase such as their name, their phone number, address or any other identifiable piece of information

- Remember, if the deal seems too good to be true it probably is and by buying that super deal you may make yourself the next victim

- Never use a money transfer service to send money overseas

- Keep all emails, texts and messages exchanged with the seller