Card Trapping
A physical ATM fraud where a device retains the victim's bank card inside the machine, allowing the criminal to retrieve it after the customer leaves.
Also known as: Lebanese Loop, card retention device, card slot trap
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Card trapping involves inserting a mechanical device — often called a Lebanese Loop, typically made from a strip of film, metal, or plastic — into an ATM's card slot so that when a customer inserts their card, it becomes stuck inside the machine rather than being returned at the end of the transaction. The victim, unable to retrieve their card, may believe the ATM has swallowed it due to a technical fault.
In a common variant, the fraudster approaches the frustrated victim and 'helpfully' suggests entering the PIN again in a specific way to release the card, observing and memorising the PIN as it is entered. After the victim gives up and leaves to call their bank, the criminal retrieves both the device and the trapped card — now combined with the memorised PIN — to make ATM withdrawals or purchases.
The Lebanese Loop is one of the oldest physical card-theft methods, predating electronic skimming. Despite its age, it remains in use. Users should always shield the keypad when entering their PIN, never accept help from strangers at an ATM, report the problem immediately by calling the bank's number from a mobile rather than leaving the machine, and be suspicious of any material visible in the card slot before inserting their card.
Examples
- A customer inserts her card at an ATM and it becomes lodged inside. A man nearby suggests entering her PIN twice to release it; she does so, and he memorises it. After she leaves, he retrieves her card and uses both to drain her account.