A Darwen cricketer was caught out by a “shadowy figure” who lured him into a benefits scam.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Zac Whalley allowed the individual to use his personal details to make bogus claims.

He received more than £2,000 he wasn’t entitled to which he shared with the other man.

Whalley, 30, of Elswick Street, Darwen, admitted to retaining a wrongful credit.

He was fined £80 and ordered to pay £85 costs.

Glen Anderton, prosecuting, said the charges related to online claims for benefits involving housing costs and childcare.

He said a total overpayment of £2,034 had been made which was now being recovered by the DWP.

Damien Pickup, mitigating, said there had been scores of similar cases coming through the courts as a result of “shadowy figures”.

“They offer individuals like my client ‘free’ money in return for a half share,” said Mr Pickup.

“During the pandemic he lost his job, his personal circumstances took a dip and he got into some debt.

"A friend told him about this scam and he was drawn in.”

Mr Pickup said his client was a keen sportsman, playing football and cricket for Darwen, where he was regarded as a talented wicket keeper.

He said the DWP invited Whalley in for interview to deal with him by way of an administrative penalty.

“Unfortunately he buried his head in the sand and he has ended up with a criminal conviction,” said Mr Pickup.