School issues warning over fraudulent free meals emails

Fraudsters are trying to get bank account details

A SCHOOL has warned parents of a scam where fraudsters try to take your bank details.

Richmond Primary School in Hinckley shared a message, which originally came from another Leicestershire school, to make people aware of the fake scheme.

The notice said: “As we are aware that most free school meals will be moving to a voucher system, it seems people feel this is a great way to use this platform as a way to scam people.

“The scam is in the format of an email stating something like “You are eligible for Free School Meal support during this time, please click on the link below to enter your bank details for us to be able to transfer you your weekly meal money”.

“Please do not engage. It is extremely sad that at a time like this people still see an opportunity to exploit situations.”

Several agencies have warned that criminals are using the coronavirus crisis to scam people out of money and personal information.

A tweet from the Department for Education (DfE) said it has “been informed some parents have received an email stating: ‘As schools will be closing, if you’re entitled to free school meals, please send your bank details and we’ll you’re supported’”.

The tweet warns parents: “This is a scam email – do not respond, and delete immediately.”

The department has said that children entitled to free school dinners will be given vouchers or meals during the outbreak.

Schools will be able to provide meals directly, or order vouchers directly from local supermarkets and shops to be emailed, or printed and posted make sure to families, with costs covered by the Government.

There are around 1.3 million children entitled to free school meals.

Schools across the UK are currently closed to all pupils, except the children of key workers such as doctors, nurses and supermarket delivery drivers.

Some vulnerable children and those with more serious special educational needs are also still attending classes.