Fraudsters are tricking people into sending them their bank cards in taxis, according to AIB.

In an email to customers this afternoon, the bank said fraudsters are calling customers and impersonating bank staff.

They tell the customers that their card details are “already in the hands of criminals” and ask them to send their card back to the bank via taxi.

Taxi drivers who know nothing about the scam then pick up the cards and deliver them straight into the criminal’s hands – giving them full access to the customer’s accounts.

“While we may call you if we see suspicious activity on your card, we will never ask you for your card back,” the bank said in the email.

“We will never send a taxi to collect the card. We will never ask you to click on a link.”

The bank is advising any customer that gets a call that sounds strange to “just hang up”.

You can always call the bank yourself on (0818) 724 724 and you can also freeze or cancel your card online.

Gardaí also warned the public about the 'sophisticated smishing scam' last month.