BANK users are being warned about a hi-tech scam being used on Southampton cashpoint machines.

It is the first time such a scam has been reported in the city and officers are warning cashpoint users to stay alert.

Although no other incidents have been reported to police, it is possible the con may have already been used to remove thousands of pounds from the bank accounts of unsuspecting customers across the city.

The warning comes after one observant resident noticed equipment attached to a machine, removed it and took it to the police.

Matthew Cheetham, 26, was trying to use the ATM at the HSBC branch on Portswood Road when he noticed something unusual about it. Having inserted his card he then spotted a plastic covering over the slot.

He said: "I noticed there was this triangular-shaped plastic moulding with the logos and typeface on it put over the slot, acting as a pass-through.

I then noticed this 40-cm moulded plastic strip at the top of the machine where it met the wall that I knocked and it wobbled.

"I thought it was a bit odd so I fiddled with it and it came off exposing this digital camera. At first I thought I had broken it but then this eastern European bloke came up to me and said to me that it looked a bid strange and he would take it to the police for me.

"I said I was hanging on to it and would take it myself, then a group pulled up in a car and I just went basically, it was a bit scary really."

Matthew who lives in Portswood and is currently studying for a PhD in Chemistry, added: " I cancelled my card straight away but it was lucky I spotted it really. People who use the machine in a rush or late at night might not have noticed."

This particular type of card scanning, known as a false throat device, has been reported in other parts of the country but it is believed to be the first time such a device has been reported to have been used in Southampton.

It works by placing a device known as a 'skimmer' over the card slot that reads the card's details enabling it to be cloned.

Details of the PIN number are then obtained by someone standing very closely behind the user - known as shoulder surfing - or in by fitting a digital camera to the machine to record the number being keyed in.

Another method is to disguise the camera in a leaflet holder offering financial advice that is attached to the side of the ATM.

Police are now warning people in the city to be on their guard. A spokeswoman said: "Our advice is to always cover the keypad with your spare hand when entering in your PIN number and take a good look at the ATM before you use it.

"If there is a camera attached to the console don't use it. Report it to the bank or the police - it shouldn't be there.

"If in doubt, don't use the machine."