Cash Machine Scam Warning

POLICE are warning cash machine users to be on guard against a fraudster operating in Rustington.

At least 1,600 was stolen on Wednesday night and police are anxious to trace a young woman with a French accent whom they believe used a 'Lebanese Loop' device to steal up to four ATM cards.

The suspect is described as white, in her late teens or early 20s, 5ft 5in tall and of slight build, with tied back curly hair.

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The thefts took place at Lloyd's TSB and HSBC banks in the village after the victims had gone to the hole in the wall to withdraw cash.

When they put their cards into the slot, the machines were unable to read the magnetic strip and would not give the users' cards back.

Two unauthorised withdrawals of 500 were made from a woman's HSBC account, and her card was also used to buy goods at Sainsbury's. The suspect stole another 600 from a Lloyd's TSB customer's account.

All the stolen money was refunded to the victims by their banks the next morning, and a spokesman for Lloyds TSB wanted to reassure customers not to stop using ATM machines.

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"We want to make sure our customers are not inconvenienced in any way we take this type of crime very seriously, although it is actually quite rare.

"If you use a cash machine and your card is not returned, contact your bank straight away.

"If you still feel uneasy about going to the cash point on your own, it is a good idea to get someone to come with you."

Police suspect the device used on Wednesday night fits over the card slot and is attached to a loop of magnetic tape which sits inside the card reader.

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When the customer goes to use the machine, it is unable to read the card, as the tape loop blocks the card's magnetic strip.

Often, victims say they have spoken to a passer-by or person waiting to use the machine, who advises them to punch their PIN in three times and then press cancel.

In this instance, victims claimed they had spoken to the suspect described above, who had given those exact instructions.

But punching the PIN three times and pressing cancel does not return the card, when a loop has been inserted.

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It does, however, allow the suspect to see the PIN over the user's shoulder.

Once the user has left, empty-handed, the suspect then pulls the device and card from the machine and proceeds to commit fraud.

At least one of the Rustington victims confirmed this method was used.

But lack of CCTV cameras in the village mean the police's job in hunting down the fraudster will be that much harder.

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Rustington Chamber of Commerce has been pushing the Home Office for years to install cameras, with little success, as there is "not enough crime" in the village.

The chamber's secretary Mike Barker said: "I think a CCTV camera might reduce this type of crime.

"Apparently, the films that are actually used are very very effective.

"If you have managed to catch somebody, it can result in a conviction."

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Plans are now underway for a camera to be installed at the east end of the village, funded by traders, the chamber of commerce and Rustington Parish Council.

And the infrastructure is being put into place to install another one at the west end at a later date.

Sussex Police have issued guidelines for ATM users, to help avoid this type of crime:

*Exercise caution when using your ATM card. Be aware of those around you who might be able to see you suing your PIN or card. Since the card must be retrieved immediately, the fraudster will be in close proximity.

*Look for tampering at your ATM terminal before you insert your card.

*Exercise caution in using free standing ATM machines as they seldom have cameras.

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