PEOPLE using cash point machines have again been warned to beware of a new scam. An 18-year-old man from Broadstairs is one of the latest victim of the "Lebanese Loop."

A small piece of plastic or wire is inserted into the machine. When the user puts their card in, it is retained. A person nearby advises the victim to enter their number again.

Eventually the victim leaves the card in the machine, and the pin number is later used to withdraw cash.

In the latest incident, the 18-year-old lost his card at the NatWest, High Street Broadstairs. When he went to retrieve it from the branch the next day, he was told that more than £500 had been withdrawn overnight.

A police spokeswoman said: “There have been several victims of this scam recently. Our advice would be to try and withdraw cash while the branch is open, so if your card is retained you can get it straight back, and reduce the chances of someone stealing your money.

“If your card does appear to be stuck in a machine, run your finger over the slot to see if you can feel anything unusual. And be wary of anyone who seems to be offering advice, they may be trying to see what pin number you are entering."