Up to 20 people have reported money being withdrawn from their Barclays accounts as far away as China and Canada.

The investigation centres on Asda in Gosport where it is believed many of the victims had visited.

The supermarket, along with the police and Barclays, has now launched a probe into the scam.

Margaret Galea, 66, of Newport Road, Gosport, said: 'I did my shopping at Asda then received a letter from Barclays saying there had been some suspicious withdrawals from my account.

'I checked and there had been five cash withdrawals from the Royal Bank of Canada of about £1,000 in total.

'It's odd to think it's happening so far away and it's awful because I'm a pensioner and I don't have a lot of money – they have just wiped me out.'

Deborah Gibbs, 48, of Fareham Road, Gosport, also had just under £1,000 taken from her account in the last few days.

She added: 'I just felt sick to my stomach when I found out – I was really panicking.

'I went to check how much money I had in my account on-line and I never go overdrawn, but there was a big fat minus next to my balance.

'People are struggling enough in the economic climate without nasty people like these stealing their money.'

The first reports of money being stolen from accounts were at the weekend.

There now may be more victims who have not yet realised they've been conned.

The ATM machines at the superstore are not believed to be under investigation as victims say they never used them.

Instead, the focus is thought to be on the chip and pin machines at the supermarket counters.

Barclays spokesman Danny Reardon confirmed that about 20 customers had reported losing money in the scam.

He added: 'This is an industry-wide issue and we would always recommend that customers keep a close eye on their accounts and let their bank know if there is any withdrawal that they do not recognise.'

Asda spokeswoman Jennifer England added: 'Customers can be assured that we are taking all the necessary steps to ensure the continued safety and security of all customer data.'

Gosport police have confirmed that they had received reports of the scam and are taking part in the investigation.