Increase in number of people falling victim to 'Hi Mum' text messaging scams

'Hi Mum' smishing scams have become more prevalent during the summer months, when family members are more likely to be away from home

Bank of Ireland says the value of the money stolen via these scams between May and July has almost trebled compared to the previous three months.

There has been a significant increase in the number of people falling victim to family impersonation text messaging scams this month, according to new figures.

Family impersonation scams, also commonly referred to as "Hi Mum" scams, involve a person receiving a text or WhatsApp message purportedly from their son or daughter.