A CAR parking scam nearly left one visitor to the Cotswolds £60 out of pocket. 

A visitor to Chipping Campden got an unwelcome surprise after they fell for a scam in Market Square Car Park.

A sign in the car park told visitors to download an app to pay for parking, but unknowing to them, this was a fake.

After paying, they then received a notification saying they had paid towards a gym membership and a £59 payment going towards their subscription would be going out of their account the next day.

PCSO Cassie Wilford said: "A visitor to Chipping Campden has reported what they believe to be a car parking scam in the Town Square Car Park.  

"There is a sign displayed where they were advised to download an app to pay for parking.   Upon paying, the visitor had a notification saying that they had paid £1 to a gym membership and upon returning home, they were informed that a further £59  would be taken for their subscription the following day.  

"Thankfully, their bank has been very helpful with this and have managed to block further payments."

Gloucestershire Constabulary is urging everyone to spread the word of scams that may be targeting car parks, especially in the lead-up to Christmas. 

To report a crime, use the online 'Tell Us About' form on the Gloucestershire Constabulary website.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.