Fraudulent SIM-swapping attacks targeted customers of an Irish commercial bank.

The Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland says that the number of smishing scams it has been notified of so far this year is almost double the amount seen during the first six months of 2021

A garda spokesperson encouraged members of the public to spread awareness of the scam, particularly to older and vulnerable family members and friends

The number of text and Whataspp message scams being reported to gardaí has increased significantly in recent years

Officers also made two arrests for money laundering

The bank has seen the number of ‘smishing’ cases detected by its Fraud Prevention team increase by around 50% since the introduction of this tactic.

The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau has urged people to be wary of any unsolicited phone calls, emails, and texts and not to click on any links

So-called phishing, smishing and vishing scams have seen a dramatic increase in recent years

Gardaí are urging people not to engage with any unsolicited texts, emails or calls claiming to be from agencies including financial institutions.

Chief Superintendent Smart said that if anyone has any suspicions, hang up and call your own bank directly – never use the phone number the caller has contacted you from

Gardaí have reminded the public the HSE will never look for payment for Covid-19 tests or vaccinations

The public is being warned by gardaí of a "smishing" scam doing the rounds. People are being contacted by text message, from someone claiming to be from AIB, leading them to think their bank card has been compromised.