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The UK system is also highly dependent on utility bills as a proof of address if you are an immigrant.

I've always been mystified by the idea that's taken hold in the UK that a utility bill is some kind of ID. As far as I can see, a modern utility bill could trivially be faked on a regular printer. (I assume that utility companies can't verify bills without violating data protection laws.)

It does elevate “oh, I made a mistake” to concrete fraud/forgery if there’s reason to go back and look into it.

I've always wondered if it would actually constitute fraud if you made a fake utility bill with your real address on it.

If you submitted that for reimbursement purposes, I'm sure it would.

If you submitted it for proof of address purposes and you have service from that utility in your name but with different consumption values, I would think it would not.

If you submitted it for proof of address purposes and you do not have service from that utility in your name, I would think it would be.

Yes, I mean in the proof of address case. It seems doubtful that providing a fake document with your real address could constitute fraud, if the document was being used solely to verify your address. But perhaps there is some other criminal offense of forgery or some such that is still applicable.

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