Fed up with getting dodgy messages, this mum started replying to scammers as payback, but is revenge worth the risk?

One expert describes scambaiting as a "vigilante" act because it starts with people taking matters into their own hands. (Pexels: Tim Douglas)

Fed up with constantly being targeted by “Hi Mum” scammers, Melanie Wegener decided to have a bit of fun and play along with their charade, even inviting them for Christmas lunch.

Despite diligently blocking and reporting endless scammers, the Adelaide-based mum said the texts, emails and calls kept coming.