School parents are being warned about a coronavirus scam asking for bank details in order to fund their children with free school meals.
The scam emails sent to parents and carers claim to help support the funding of free meals while schools are closed but the Department of Education (DoE) has said the emails are part of a scam.
A spokesperson for the DoE said: “We have 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 make sure you’re supported’.
“This is a scam email - do not respond, and delete immediately.”
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Schools across Manchester, including St. Mary’s in Moss Side and St Patrick's RC High School in Salford, have reported receiving concerns from parents regarding the scam.
The scam comes as schools shut this week for all pupils except for children of key workers and the most vulnerable.
The Government has stated that pupils entitled to free school meals will still be able to collect meals from school or obtain vouchers for shops to exchange for lunches.
