The Australian Federal Police have issued a warning following a number of reports regarding a hoax email circulating in their name.

The email tells card holders they are ''under suspicion of aiding known criminals'', and asks them to click on a link to ''prove their lack of culpability''.

Federal police believe the email is a ruse to coax personal details from people or download malignant software.

High Tech Crime Investigations national co-ordinator Peter Sykora could not say how many people had reported receiving the bogus email, but said calls were received from members of the public and international partners. He said the AFP became aware of the scam on Monday night.

The fake email is purportedly signed by AFP agent Scott Sykes, and carries a banner with the agency logo. The federal police advised anyone who received the email to delete it immediately.