A word of warning: use social networks very carefully. We are often warned about how criminals are using social networks (and other online profiles) to gather information for use in identity theft. But did you know that local authorities are doing exactly the same thing!

A friend of mine has recently applied for Housing Benefit as she is no longer living with her partner. She filled in the forms and waited. After a week or so she received a letter from the local council asking to see her regarding her benefit application. They also stated they wanted to see her bank statements.

The meeting was basically to check that she was telling truth and that her benefit claim was valid. They checked her bank statements to make sure her income level was correct and that she wasn’t receiving and payments from anyone else. Then they started asking questions about her online profile!

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