THE vigilance of a customer at a high street bank cashpoint prevented him becoming the latest victim in a fraud known as the "Lebanese Loop".

It happened in Herne Bay at about 10pm on Friday as the man attempted to withdraw money from the same machine targeted by a trickster just a few weeks earlier.

The incident has prompted police to warn people using cashpoints to be on their guard against anyone suspicious or standing near as they carry out the transaction. They also warn customers should never let anyone see them entering their PIN number.

In the latest incident, the man put his card in the machine but the screen informed him it was out of order. At that point he was approached by a woman who said the same thing had happened to her and suggested he key in his PIN number again.

Fortunately, the man became suspicious and checked the slot, which was found to have been tampered with and a device inserted to capture cards. The woman walked away quickly when she realised that the deception had been discovered and the man was able to remove his card.

The offender is described as in her early 20s, about 5ft 2in tall with bobbed, black hair and a foreign accent.

A similar offence took place at the same cashpoint a month previously when the victim thought his card had been swallowed and left. He later discovered it had been fraudulently used.

A police spokeman said: "The fraud involves placing a false front on the card slot of a cash machine. The card is inserted as usual and the user enters their PIN number, which is observed by someone nearly.

"To the user, the card then appears to be stuck and often a bystander will suggest typing in the number a second time. The user then leaves the machine and the 'bystander' moves in to retrieve the device and the card, for which they now have a PIN number. The card is often used quickly to withdraw cash."

Police advise users to check machines before inserting their cards, looking especially for anything protruding from the slot, to make sure no one nearby can see the PIN number and be cautious of anyone trying to distract them. Anyone losing their card should contact their bank immediately.

Anyone with information about this latest incident should contact Canterbury police on 01227 762055 or ring the confidential, free Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.