Benefit Fraud

[tomtom256]

But they can use that information they see on there to report someone for benefit fraud? Seems a bit extreme. Someone I know has their FB location set to Tokyo, Japan. Could an adviser then report that person for claiming income support while supposedly living in Tokyo based only off Facebook information?

 

Not but if it states on facebook works for "whatever" or "in a relationship with whoever" which is verifiable, then it would make sense for them to report that though and then further evidence can be sought.

[antone]

But they can use that information they see on there to report someone for benefit fraud? Seems a bit extreme. Someone I know has their FB location set to Tokyo, Japan. Could an adviser then report that person for claiming income support while supposedly living in Tokyo based only off Facebook information?

 

Yes, of course they can - just like anyone else who can see your public Facebook information. Now, that doesn't mean it would be conclusive or anything - if the only evidence is an FB update or whatever, then I doubt the fraud guys would be looking to investigate a potential crime of the century. But people need to be aware that whatever is posted publicly on FB is just that: posted publicly.

[honeybee13]

Yes, of course they can - just like anyone else who can see your public Facebook information. Now, that doesn't mean it would be conclusive or anything - if the only evidence is an FB update or whatever, then I doubt the fraud guys would be looking to investigate a potential crime of the century. But people need to be aware that whatever is posted publicly on FB is just that: posted publicly.

 

...and people on the employment forum here are regularly getting into trouble for posting their thoughts on Facebook.

 

HB

[antone]

...and people on the employment forum here are regularly getting into trouble for posting their thoughts on Facebook.

 

HB

 

Yes, I'm sure they are. It's something people really do need to be careful about, and I'm not sure everyone's aware. Posting something in a public part of FB is more or less the same as advertising on a billboard in town. Not that FB doesn't have its uses - I'm on there quite a lot. But I always assume everyone is reading.

[Mr.P]

...and people on the employment forum here are regularly getting into trouble for posting their thoughts on Facebook.

 

Indeed. I have even seen one (thankfully ex) colleague dismissed for some FB comments - Some were not even public !

[estellyn]

So glad I've never got into facebook! I'm too private a person to have my life and thoughts 'out there'. Also never used twitter - who cares what random thoughts I have, I'm really not that interesting. 'currently watching the hunger games sequel' - anyone care?

 

 

A good rule of thumb, never post anything on line you wouldn't want your gran or your boss to see (or a DWP advisor to get the wrong idea about....or the right idea)