'Not victimless' - £70K Blackpool benefits cheat caught in Facebook post proposing to partner
His ruse was only foiled after investigators found an image showing Hegarty becoming engaged to his partner, which was posted on Facebook congratulating them.
A benefit cheat who falsely claimed more than £70,000 by saying he was single - was caught out by a Facebook post which showed him proposing to his partner.
Colin Christopher Hegarty, 58, declared to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that he was single between February 19, 2020 and September 18, 2025.
Over the five-year period he took home £70,967.89 in Universal Credit.
But following an investigation, it was later revealed that Mr Hegarty was lying and was in fact living with a companion.
His ruse was only foiled after investigators found an image showing Hegarty becoming engaged to his partner, which was posted on Facebook congratulating them.
People also commented on the post wishing the couple well.
One said: "So glad I could be there for this beautiful moment."
Another said: "Awwww wow so happy for you both."
One other said: "Awww congrats you two, fancy waiting until after we left."
The DWP say they became aware of Mr Hegarty's case after member of the public submitted a referral to the government body in June 2025.
They alleged that Mr Hegarty, of Springfield Road, Blackpool, was not declaring his true living arrangements.
An investigation was launched, and they gathered evidence including bank statements demonstrating financial links between the couple.
They also found social media evidence showing Hegarty's relationship status.
This included the proposal which, according to the DWP formed part of the evidence considered during the investigation.
During an interview under caution, Hegarty immediately admitted dishonestly claiming benefits as a single person.
He admitted failing to declare that his partner was living at his address despite knowing it would affect his entitlement to Universal Credit.
Hegarty told investigators he believed declaring a partner would affect payments received by another non-dependant living in the property.
He made a full admission throughout the interview, telling investigators there was "no point in lying".
The case resulted in an overpayment all of which is subject to recovery action.
Chiefs from the DWP say they will seek to recover the overpaid funds through its established debt recovery processes, ensuring those who commit fraud do not profit from their actions.
Lilian Greenwood, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions, said: "Benefit fraud is not a victimless crime. Every pound stolen is money that should be supporting those who genuinely need help and funding our public services.
"This claimant pocketed almost £71,000 by deliberately misleading the system for years but our investigators caught up with him.
"The message is simple, if you cheat the benefits system, you will be found, you will have to pay the money back, and you could face prosecution.
"And if you know someone defrauding the system, please report it.”