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'Lebanese loop' used by thieves at Woking ATM machines
Police in Woking are warning people to be on their guard after thieves used a Lebanese Loop to steal cards and withdraw cash at an ATM machine.
The thieves targeted the cash machines outside the Co-op in the High Street, Horsell, and the second in St John's Road, Woking, early on Thursday morning (18 February).
In the two separate cases, the device retained the victims' cards which, after they had left the scene, were subsequently used to withdraw £130 and £300 respectively.
Now people are being urged to be vigilant when using cash machines and tell police immediately if they see anything suspicious. If possible they should not leave the scene if their card is retained but call for help and inform their bank to prevent cash being stolen.
The term 'Lebanese loop' is applied to any number of similar devices used to perpetrate ATM fraud by retaining the user's card.
In their simplest form, loops consist of a strip or sleeve of metal or plastic that is inserted into the card slot. This prevents cards being drawn into the machine, fooling the user into believing the ATM has malfunctioned or retained their card.
In a typical scam, the offender will obtain the victim's PIN either by watching them enter it or by approaching them under the pretence of offering help and suggesting they re-enter their PIN. Once the victim has left they retrieve the loop and the trapped card, using it to withdraw cash.
Anyone who may have seen people hanging around the machine on Thursday morning is asked to call Surrey Police on 0845 1252222 or Crimestoppers anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111.
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