Con man told officials he was rock star

DOVER, England, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- Officials in Dover, England, said they were swindled by a con artist who posed as the lead singer of the rock band Status Quo.

Dover councilors said the con man -- who fled town before his true identity could be uncovered -- had them convinced he was rocker Francis Rossi. He had promised to bring celebrity musicians including Paul McCartney, Charlotte Church, and Queen's Brian May to the town's festival, Sky News reported.

Councilors said the faux-Rossi was treated to rides in the mayor's limousine and received invitations to high profile dinners and events, including a prestigious gathering at Dover Castle, in exchange for agreeing to play at the festival.

When he was confronted about lacking Rossi's trademark ponytail, he told people the hair was a fake extension that he only puts on for concerts. Officials said they did not realize they had been swindled until the impostor skipped town before his scheduled gig at the festival.

The real Francis Rossi said he is taking the identity theft in good humor.

"I'll never know how he knew the secret about my ponytail," Rossi joked.