Electoral roll issue- what caused this?

[Treatscatscrave]

Hi I looked up an old friend on 192. com to find out exact address for Xmas card.
Here's the issue: back in 2009 they are listed at an address I know they NEVER lived at with several other occupants I know they NEVER lived with.
What could have caused this?
I know that there were financial difficulties for them at this time and they were claiming benefits, though I believe her OH dealt with claims.
I don't want to say anything to my friend about this not to worry them and all sorts of things are going on in my head which I won't mention here as I don't want to influence any replies but any suggestions are welcome.

Could it not just be someone else with the same name?

Why would you not just ask your friend for their address? Maybe it's just me but looking up someone on 192.com just seems really odd.

I've got a subscription to 192 so seemed easier to just go online.
No they are BOTH listed at property. Surname is unusual.

Electoral registration works on self declaration, so there is an element of trust involved in the process to register.

The electoral register is not only used for voting purposes, but credit reference agencies have historically used it. Someone may have fraudulently used their details. Or your friends have been doing something fraudulently themselves.