Trade Me says suspicious emails impersonating the website have been sent to users, and is warning them to remain vigilant against any potential phishing scams.

The online auction site released the scam, disguised as a simple security update to unaware users.

"Dear Member. We believe someone may have tried to access your Trade Me membership without your approval," reads the email, sent from an unrelated web address support@notification.co.nz.

"As a security precaution we have temporarily restricted access to your membership, although all your listings are still live on the site.''

Trade Me says common protocol applies to such scams, advising users to change their passwords and to avoid clicking on any suspicious links.

In an unrelated incident, the website was unavailable for a few hours during the early hours of Monday morning this week, as the site carried out scheduled maintenance and upgrades.

Have you received any suspicious emails? Tell us your thoughts below