Don't Get Fooled: 7 Red Flags to Spot a Job Scam in Nigeria Instantly
To tell if a job vacancy in Nigeria is a scam, check if you are asked for money, if the recruiter uses a generic email (like @gmail.com), or if you were "shortlisted" for a role you never applied for. Legitimate Nigerian companies, including federal agencies, will never ask for application, registration, or "training" fees.
The Top 7 Red Flags of a Fake Job in Nigeria
Searching for a job in Lagos or any part of Nigeria can be stressful, and scammers often prey on that desperation. Watch out for these high-risk warning signs:
Demanding Money Upfront: This is the biggest red flag. Whether they call it a "registration fee," "consultancy fee," or "ID card fee," a real employer pays you—not the other way around.
Generic Email Addresses: Professional recruiters use official company domains (e.g.,
hr@airtel.com.ng). Be extremely cautious if you receive an offer from a Gmail, Yahoo, or Hotmail account.Unsolicited "Shortlist" Messages: If you get a WhatsApp or SMS saying you’ve been shortlisted for a job you don't remember applying for, it is almost certainly a scam.
The "Too Good to Be True" Salary: If an entry-level role with no experience requirements is offering ₦500,000 monthly, it’s a bait to lure you into a fraudulent scheme.
No Online Presence: Genuine Nigerian companies have websites and active social media profiles. If you can't find them on LinkedIn or their "office" isn't on Google Maps, walk away.
Urgency and Pressure: Scammers often use phrases like "Immediate hiring" or "Offer expires in 2 hours" to stop you from doing your research.
Unprofessional Communication: Look for excessive typos, poor grammar, or informal greetings like "Dear Applicant" instead of your actual name.
How to Verify a Job Vacancy Like a Pro
Before you spend money on transport to a "job interview" in an unfamiliar part of Lagos, follow these verification steps:
Search the Company + "Scam": Type the company name into Google followed by words like "scam," "review," or "complaint" to see if others have shared bad experiences.
Cross-Check the Website: If you saw the ad on a third-party job board, go directly to the company's official career page to see if the vacancy is listed there.
Confirm the Location: Use Google Maps to verify the interview address. If the location is a residential apartment, an uncompleted building, or a generic "Event Center" for a corporate role, be very suspicious.
The LinkedIn Test: Look for the recruiter on LinkedIn. Real HR professionals have verifiable work histories and connections within the company.
Final Verdict
A legitimate job offer is a professional exchange of value. If the process skips the interview and goes straight to a "job briefing," or if they ask you to pay before you start, it’s a scam. Stay vigilant, protect your data (like your BVN and NIN), and never pay for a job.
