SHAMELESS scammers have tried to trick parents into sending their bank details to get free food for their children.

Despite the school closures, low-income families are still eligible to get free school meals for eligible children to ensure they don't go hungry.

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Many schools, including Rose Hill Primary School in Oxford, are arranging food for those pupils to come and collect.

However, the Department for Education has warned of a scam currently doing the rounds via email.

It tells parents that due to the school closures, parents will have to send their bank details to 'make sure you're supported'. 

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Oxfordshire County Council also shared the warning on via Twitter this morning.

The Department for Education has urged recipients to immediately delete the email if they receive it.

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The government is rolling out a voucher scheme for children eligible for free school meals, which will be valid for shops and supermarkets.

Guidance on its website states: "We will give schools and trusts the flexibility to provide meals or vouchers to children eligible for free school meals. We will reimburse any additional costs.

"We are working to put in place a national voucher system as soon as possible."

Responding to the warning about the scam, one Twitter user said: "Disgraceful. So callous to prey on folk at this terrible time."

Others branded it 'vile' and 'sick' to prey on people who might be struggling to feed their families.