Beware of coronavirus email scams

Families who receive Free School Meals have been targeted by a coronavirus email scam asking them to pass over their bank details. The government has issued a warning urging people not to fall for it.

Guidance from the Department of Education says: We can confirm that this is a scam email and is not official. We urge parents if you receive any emails like this, please do not respond and delete it immediately. This is just one of a series of scams focused around the coronavirus pandemic. The criminals often claim to represent charities to help them appear legitimate before taking the victim's money. Techniques seen since the start of the year include bogus emails with links claiming to have important updates, which once clicked on lead to devices being infected. These ‘phishing’ attempts have been seen in several countries and can lead to loss of money and sensitive data. The National Cyber Security Centre have said: We know that cyber criminals are opportunistic and will look to exploit people's fears, our advice is to follow our guidance, which includes everything from password advice to spotting suspect emails. In the event that someone does fall victim to a phishing attempt, they should look to report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible.

Further reading - protect yourselves from scams:

Guide to spotting and dealing with Phishing emails How to defend against malware or ransomware attacks

How can SBS help?

If you are unsure about anything please contact the ICT Service Desk on 0345 222 1551 • Option 1 or email ictservicedesk@schoolbusinessservices.co.uk

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Previous SBS communications relating to COVID-19 and School Closures

• SIMS ID Lite and additional resources for SIMS users
• Weduc Home School Learning Essentials for Free!
• Reporting on staff and student absences due to the Coronavirus
• Keyworkers information on School Closures
• Home School Resources
• Remote working solutions available for staff and students
• SIMS instructions for entering a Y Code for Self-Isolating Pupils
• SBS Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statement
• We are also taking requests for #SBSEduWebinars

Our Service Desks continue to operate as usual. For all Finance & Business, ICT, MIS, Budgeting, HR and Procurement enquiries please call 0345 222 1551.