Cheltenham Borough Council is working with police to stamp out a car parking scam.

Fake QR codes have appeared on parking payment machines in car parks around the town.

The council said: "Residents, businesses are visitors are asked NOT to use the QR code which is being used by scammers to trick customers into paying via their phone to fraudulent accounts.

"Council officers are patrolling our car parks and removing the fraudulent QR codes. If you are concerned that you may be a victim, contact your bank immediately."

The council continued: "To avoid any scam payment websites, it is important that visitors access online payment providers safely. If you choose to pay by this method in our car parks, make sure you follow one of the routes below:

• Download the PayByPhone or alternative parking fee app directly from the App Store or Google Play Store

• Visit the website by entering PayByPhone.co.uk or alternative parking fee provider directly into the search bar

• Dialling 0330 400 7275 (for PayByPhone) to use the automated phone line

"Remember in our car parks you can also pay using your card directly via the machine. If you do use a QR code, check that it appears on council signage and does not appear to have been doctored."