Protect Your Sponsorship Management System (SMS) from Phishing Scams
Stay vigilant! There is a rising threat of phishing scams targeting Sponsorship Management System (SMS) accounts. Cyber criminals are sending fraudulent emails that appear to be from the Home Office, attempting to trick you into revealing your login details.
The Home Office has been alerting sponsor licence holders of the increase in email phishing scams seeking to compromise Sponsorship Management System (SMS) accounts.
These scam emails often claim to be from the Home Office and warn of compliance issues or account suspension unless you log in via a provided link.
They may be sent to shared email addresses such as info@sponsororg.com, which are often publicly available on your organisation’s website. Once you click the link and enter your username and password, cyber criminals can gain unauthorised access to your SMS account.
Key Indicators of Phishing Emails
Organisations maintaining a Home Office sponsor licence should therefore be wary of receiving:
- Emails that do not come from official channels (e.g., ending with @homeoffice.gov.uk, @fco.gov.uk, or @fcdo.gov.uk)
- Requests for you to log in to the Sponsor Management System via a link in the email
- Urgent warnings about account suspension or compliance, especially if they request immediate action
Any legitimate communication from the Home Office regarding your sponsor licence will come through via official email addresses or the message board within your SMS account
If you believe your SMS account has been compromised you are advised to change your password immediately and notify other Level 1 and Level 2 users in your organisation to do the same.
You should also report the matter to the Home Office via businesshelpdesk@homeoffice.gov.uk (Tel: 0300 123 4699). In doing so, the Home Office will be able to take immediate steps to secure your data.
For guidance on how to use the Sponsorship Management System and manage user roles securely, visit: Use the Sponsorship Management System.
A better way to manage global immigration
Smith Stone Walters is ready to assist with any questions regarding sponsorship management. Now part of Envoy Global, a leading provider of corporate immigration services, we are committed to helping companies manage global immigration more effectively.
Contact Smith Stone Walters to learn how we can support your organisation in maintaining sponsor compliance and control. Our tailored Immigration Audit Service is designed to meet your business needs and budget, helping you avoid penalties and delays when submitting sponsorship requests.
Whether you need a soft audit for peace of mind or a fully outsourced immigration compliance solution, we have the expertise to assist. Reach out to us today.
