Scam Phishing Attacks Targeting South Bend School District Community

 Community Update

Warning: Scam Phishing Attacks Targeting South Bend School District Community

South Bend, WA – August 7, 2024— The South Bend School District has recently become aware of a series of sophisticated scam phishing attacks that are targeting our staff, students, and possibly parents. These scams have come in the form of faked emails, text messages, and other forms of communication that appear to be legitimate but are, in fact, attempts to steal personal information and money.

These fraudulent messages are particularly deceptive because they contain contextual information that makes them seem genuine. They often include references to school-related matters, such as job offers, requests for assistance, or other school activities. However, they also include a component asking for payment, personal information, or money transfers.

I want to emphasize the importance of being vigilant and cautious when receiving unexpected or unsolicited messages, whether via email, text, or other communication platforms. Please be aware of the following key warning signs:

1. Unexpected Requests for Money or Personal Information: Be wary of any message that asks you to provide financial information, make a payment, or transfer money. The South Bend School District will never ask for such information via email or text.

2. Urgent or Unusual Requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure individuals into taking immediate action. If a message seems urgent or out of the ordinary, verify its authenticity before responding.

3. Suspicious Email Addresses or Phone Numbers: Check the sender's email address or phone number closely. Scammers often use addresses or numbers that are similar to official ones but contain slight variations.

4. Grammatical Errors or Odd Language: Many scam messages contain spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or unusual phrasing. These can be signs that the message is not legitimate.

If you receive a suspicious message, please do not respond, click on any links, or provide any personal information. Instead, report it to the South Bend School District immediately by contacting our IT department at jashley@southbendschools.org.  If you suspect that you have lost money and/or have had your personal information compromised, please contact the South Bend Police Department.

We are actively working to address these threats and to protect our community from these malicious attacks. Your awareness and caution are crucial in helping us safeguard our students, staff, and families.  We will be sending a call to all parents this afternoon to inform on this issue.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Together, we can ensure a safe and secure environment for all.

Jon Tienhaara
Superintendent