A new survey has shown that almost a third of 18-24-year-olds have been approached, or know someone who has been approached, to use their bank account to transfer money.

Dean Kerins issued the stark appeal as college students in particular could get swayed by the promise of easy cash as they struggle to meet ends with the rising costs of living.

In recent weeks, AIB said scammers are using sophisticated technology to insert fraudulent text messages into legitimate message threads.