This week, three concerned residents have come forward, alerting The Daily Advertiser they have been potential victims of sophisticated online scams.

All three were selling items through classifieds sites.

Each received an email from "interested buyers".

In Ken Watkins's case, the email was very vague, simply stating "Hi mate, Just viewed your bike advert, Pls (sic) confirm the selling price to my email address (denfex@outlook.com) email only. Donald".

For Jessica Linton, the emailed response did specifically mention her 2009 Volkswagen Golf.

It was the mention of these specific items that initially led Ms Linton to believe the "buyer" was legitimate.

"They wanted to ship the car off, they said they were working in New Zealand, they said it was a gift for their son who was studying law at Australian National University," she said.

Ms Linton, a former Canberra resident, said from her experience it was commonplace for students to receive cars as gifts.

"There are some very wealthy people and particularly international students often receive big gifts," she said.

Ms Linton gave the "buyer" her BSB and account numbers in good faith and only became wary it was a scam when asked to pay for the car to be transported to the Northern Territory.

"I cottoned onto it quickly," she said.

Ms Linton immediately contacted her bank and told the customer she was cancelling the transaction.

The "buyer" became aggressive and verbally threatened Ms Linton.

"They said they were going to call the Australian Federal Police," she said.

After Ms Linton sent an email confirming the cancellation of the sale she never heard from the buyer.

Ms Linton was not concerned about selling her car online but said now she was much more wary.

"The car is still for sale online, but it makes me feel as if my personal security is really in jeopardy."

Similarly, Lesley Lemon was targeted when she advertised her caravan for sale.

Ms Lemon became suspicious when the "buyer" wanted the caravan transported to Darwin.

"Why would they take it all the way there when there must be thousands for sale," she said.

All three potential victims contacted the police.

Ms Linton reported the incident to ScamWatch.

A Scamwatch spokesman said classifieds scams targeted both buyers and sellers.

"The approaches used by scammers vary, but they often will contact you wanting to buy your goods, but will make up stories such as needing help your help to pay an agent or third party for upfront costs like transportation or insurance," he said.

He said common warning signs included potential "buyers" who were willing to purchase cars without viewing them, offers which seems to good to be true and overseas buyers who want to purchase in Australia even if the products are readily available in their own country.

Anyone who has come across same are urged to report it at scamwatch.gov.au.