Alert over 'Lebanese loop' cash machine scam at Tube stations

Caught on camera: the two men police want to question over attempted fraud
12 April 2012

Police today issued an alert to commuters about a spate of "Lebanese loop" bank machine scams on the London Underground.

A number of the fraud devices have been found fitted to cash machines in Tube stations. British Transport Police detectives released CCTV images of two men they suspect are linked to the attempted fraud.

An organised spate of attempts to steal cash came to police attention when members of LU staff and the public handed in devices they had found in the machines.

The Lebanese loop involves criminals inserting a card-capturing piece of plastic into the bank machine.

When a victim inserts his card it becomes stuck inside the ATM. One of the fraudsters will often then appear and offer to help, watching the customer as he re-types his PIN.

The victim then walks away assuming his card has been "swallowed" - leaving the thief free to recover it and, using the PIN he has just memorised, withdraw as much money as possible.

The devices were found in ATMs at Victoria, White City, Edgware Road and Holborn Tube stations in the run-up to Christmas.

In one incident at Victoria, a member of the public managed to pull her card out of a jammed machine, revealing the device.

The BTP detectives are now liaising with colleagues in the Met to see whether the gang has been operating elsewhere in London.

So far, they say, no one has reported having money stolen in the incidents.Detective Constable Paul Burbridge, of BTP's organised and financial crime unit, said: "Members of the public should be aware of these scams and take care when using cash machines.

"We have discovered and removed a number of these devices at various stations and our enquiries so far lead us to believe the same group may be responsible.

"We are keen to identify the men shown in the CCTV images as we believe they can help us with our enquiries. If you know them, please get in touch."

The men are both described as white, in their thirties and being of medium build. One has a shaven head and the other has short, dark hair.

Anyone with information should telephone British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Staying safe

Lebanese loops are thought to be named after the nationality of the gang that invented them, but they are now commonly associated with Eastern European thieves.

Devices range from simple plastic strips to more sophisticated versions which include miniature cameras fitted to the top of the cash machine to record PIN numbers.

Broadcaster Dame Joan Bakewell was a Lebanese loop victim in Camden Town in 2009, losing £500.

To stay safe, police advise you to: cover your hand when typing your PIN; don't let yourself be distracted; avoid machines where people are lingering; report lost cards at once, and never accept a stranger's help to retrieve a confiscated card.

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