Fake Job Offer Red Flags in Nigeria
Updated 2 October 2026
Job seekers are a favourite target because they are hopeful and often in a hurry. Knowing the red flags protects both your money and your personal information.
You are asked to pay
A legitimate employer pays you; you do not pay them. Fees for "training", "registration", "uniform", "ID card", "medicals" or "clearance" are a strong sign of a scam, even if the amount looks small.
The process is unusually fast or informal
- You are offered the job without a real interview.
- The whole interview happens through chat on WhatsApp or Telegram.
- The salary is much higher than the role normally pays.
The company details do not hold up
- No official website, or a website created very recently.
- The recruiter uses a free email address instead of a company email.
- You cannot find the company or the recruiter on a professional network.
- The office address does not exist or does not match the company.
They ask for sensitive details early
Be careful if you are asked for your BVN, bank login, card details or OTP before you have signed a proper contract. An employer needs your bank account number to pay you, but never your PIN, OTP or login.
How to verify a recruiter
- Search the company name plus "scam" and read what comes up.
- Find the company's official website yourself and contact them directly to confirm the vacancy exists.
- Check the recruiter's phone number and email address with a scam checker.
- Ask for a video call and an official written offer.