Benefit cheat who claimed £70,000 saying he was single caught after his proposal to his girlfriend was posted on Facebook

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 11:42 EDT, 29 September 2026 | Updated: 11:53 EDT, 29 September 2026 A benefits cheat who falsely claimed over £70,000 in Universal Credit by saying he was single has been caught out - by a Facebook post of his proposal. Colin Christopher Hegarty, 58, told the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that he was a single man between February 19, 2020 and September 18, 2025. During that five-year period, he received £70,967.89 in benefits. But an investigation revealed that Mr Hegarty was lying and was, in fact, living with a companion. His lie was only revealed after investigators found a picture showing Hegarty proposing to his partner posted on Facebook, with their friends congratulating them. People had commented on the post wishing the couple well, with one writing: 'So glad I could be there for this beautiful moment.' Another posted: 'Awwww wow, so happy for you both.' One other said: 'Awww congrats you two, fancy waiting until after we left.' The DWP said they became aware of Mr Hegarty's case after a member of the public submitted a referral to the government body in June 2025. Colin Christopher Hegarty, 58, told the DWP he was a single man while claiming benefits between 2020 and 2025 - but was caught after a photo emerged of him proposing Friends commented on the post, with one writing: 'So glad I could be there for this beautiful moment' They alleged that Mr Hegarty, of Springfield Road, Blackpool, was not declaring his true living arrangements. An investigation was launched, gathering evidence including bank statements which demonstrated financial links between the couple. They also found social media evidence, showing Hegarty's real 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 also 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-dependent 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. DWP bosses said 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, Minister for Innovation, Fraud, and Data, 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.'