The electronic pickpocket: ‘Scammer steals hundreds of pounds by touching victims’ pockets with sales device – and transferring cash from their contactless payment credit cards’

A brazen thief has allegedly been spotted committing a crime which exposes the risks of owning a contactless payment card.

The scammer, reportedly photographed in Russia, was seen on a train using a payment device to scan contactless cards through unsuspecting victims' pockets and bags.

While contactless card payments can only be made up to £30, devices are able to 'store' more than £400 without a connection to a landline or wireless internet.