A SUSPECTED fraudster was foiled after trying to buy seven cars from an Audi dealership using a fake driving licence.

The man was claiming to be the managing director of a well-known business when he tried to order the cars.

He had contacted the dealership over the phone and then went into the Morris Street premises in person, all between January 8 and 16.

All the relevant paperwork was signed but the deal collapsed on the day of delivery when it was established that the driving licence used was fake.

No cars were taken but the Bolton showroom suffered a depreciation loss on each of the cars.

Police are linking the Audi fraud to a similar ruse to buy seven BMWs from a dealership in Manchester.

Between January 16 and 20, a man using the same details placed that order but the dealership's fraud department flagged up concerns and the order was cancelled following checks with the firm at which the man claimed to work.

Det Insp Charlotte Cadden, said: “Without question these two incidents are linked.

“When efforts to obtain seven Audi vehicles were foiled, similar attempts were made with a BMW dealership.

“In both cases the offender used the same name and purported to be from the same business, which is a legitimate business based in Greater Manchester.

“Had either attempt been successful then the dealership in question would have lost tens of thousands of pounds.

"Thankfully due diligence has prevailed and they have prevented the offender getting hold of any cars.

“We will now be making enquiries to identify the person or persons involved but I want to highlight these offences so other car dealerships can be alert to them.

“Additionally, if any other organisation has experienced something similar I would encourage them to contact us.”

Police are now combing CCTV footage from Audi in an attempt to trace the fraudster.

Anyone with information can call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.