MCALLEN – A $5 mistake proves costly for a McAllen woman. She’s now out hundreds of dollars.

Sometimes, parking is limited in Downtown McAllen and people might get tempted to park in an empty lot with plenty of spaces.

On busy nights, someone acting as a lot attendant will direct you where to go and tell you how much it will cost.

Marisela Garza and her friends parked at a lot on Erie Avenue and Bicentennial Boulevard. A man had waved them down and told her it would be a $5 charge.

After enjoying a night out, upon their return to the vehicle, they couldn’t find it. It was replaced by a $340 towing fee.

McAllen police told CHANNEL 5 NEWS, they’re investigating it as a $5 theft case, but even the towing company says they’ve reported similar cases.

Watch the video above for the full report.