SCAMMERS are targeting cashpoints in Southend’s High Street, police have warned.

Shoppers withdrawing money from Barclays on Wednesday had their card details and PINs recorded by the contraption, which resembles an iPod.

Sneaky fraudsters jammed other nearby cash machines with paper in a bid to ensure they captured as many card details as possible.

Police were able to retrieve the device, but it is not known how many people’s details were obtained by the gang.

PC Dave Lindsey, of Southend police, said: “Cash machines are targeted by thieves and fraudsters using these types of devices with the aim of recording card details and PINs.

“In the main they are discovered by bank staff conducting checks.

“I wouldn’t say that it is on the increase but it is a steady fight that we will win by all being more vigilant around cash machines and reporting concerns to operators and police.”

The town’s police Facebook page posted photos of the device being held by PCSO Tristan Adams, who removed it from the machine.

Officers issued the following warning: “The devices were attached to the cash machine to obtain cards and record pin numbers.

“Please be very careful when using any external cash machine and if you are suspicious of any devices attached to any cash machine please make the police or bank/organisation aware of any suspicions that you may have.”

A spokesman for Barclays said there had been no complaints from any of their Southend customers, so far.

He said: “Barclays has one of the most extensive ATM networks across the UK and we are one of the leading banks in our work to ensure our machines are protected from attack.

“We take all fraud, including ATM fraud, extremely seriously and are continuously looking for innovative ways to combat the problem.

“We advise our customers to take care when using any cash machine or payment terminal, to always shield their hand as they enter the pin number, and to contact their bank immediately if the card is trapped in the machine.

“If customers suspect they have fallen victim of fraud, they should contact their bank as soon as possible.

“Customers should also regularly check their statements to make sure that the transactions included are correct.

“If a Barclays customer is the innocent victim of fraud they will receive a full refund.”