That case is one of three detailed by ACT Policing as part of Scams Awareness Week, when police are urging the public to remain vigilant.

Another scam victim was defrauded of $39,000 through money transfers and gift vouchers after a series of phone calls from people pretending to work for Microsoft, Telstra and the Australian Federal Police.

In a third case, a person using messaging application WeChat was asked to receive two bank transfers totalling $1300 from another user, and send it on to another bank account. The victim transferred the money, but never received the $1300 from the scammer.

The figures represent a big jump in the damage done by scammers in the territory, after ScamWatch data revealed just $60,000 was lost in 2017.

Police said the top five types of scams in the ACT were investment scams, scams involving threats of death or arrest, dating and romance scams, upfront payment and advanced fee fraud, and pyramid schemes.

Detective Station Sergeant Harry Hains said scams could happen to anyone, of any age, in any place.

"We have seen this occur in the ACT quite frequently in recent months," Detective Station Sergeant Hains said.

"This is alarming, and shows the importance of education and increasing awareness."

Detective Station Sergeant Hains said scammers had recently hijacked the email accounts of real estate agents and sent clients new details for payments of large amounts of money.

He urged anyone paying a business online should confirm the account details in person or over the phone before sending any money.

“Unfortunately, scams involving financial and emotional losses are under-reported," Detective Station Sergeant Hains said.

"If you become a victim of a scam, contact ScamWatch and ACT Policing on 131 444, or attend a local police station to make a report.”

More information about scams can be found on the ScamWatch website.