The rise of fake job scams in Nigeria has left many job seekers vulnerable to deceit and financial exploitation. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recently reported over a thousand Nigerians stranded in the UK due to falling victim to these scams, resulting in significant financial losses, with some individuals losing as much as $10,000 each in their pursuit of foreign employment opportunities. To help job seekers navigate this challenging landscape, we've compiled a list of the fastest ways to identify fake job scams in Nigeria.
Types of Fake Jobs and Scam Jobs:
- Deliberately Misleading Job Openings:
- Invites job seekers for an interview that turns out to be a multi-level marketing seminar.
- False Representation with Intent to Defraud:
- Scam recruiting companies exploit desperate job seekers, asking for payment for a non-existent job slot.
- Impersonators:
- Pretend to be existing companies, setting up fake social media accounts and claiming to hire to exploit unsuspecting candidates.
Fastest Ways to Identify Scam Jobs:
- No Credible Online Presence:
- Scam companies often lack a visible website or social media presence.
- They Eventually Ask For Money:
- Fraudulent promoters ask for payment under various names like processing fee, registration fee, or consultancy fee.
- The Messaging Template:
- Pay attention to the format and content of the invitation for interviews or assessments; genuine companies use multiple communication channels.
- Job Interview Versus Job Briefing:
- Job interviews should precede job briefings. Be cautious if invited directly to a job briefing without a prior interview.
- Venue of the Interview:
- Be wary if the interview venue lacks official representation or if candidates are asked to wait outside unconventional structures.
- No Specific Title:
- Genuine jobs have specific titles, while fake jobs often lack details or have overly broad experience requirements.
Conclusion:
Before attending any job interview, take the following precautions:- Research the company's authenticity.
- Avoid desperation and scrutinize job offers.
- Check emails and call logs for legitimate invites.
- Never pay for a job; genuine companies don't ask for fees.
- Use reputable job websites
- Be cautious of companies using free email accounts instead of corporate ones.
- Avoid companies offering immediate employment without an interview.
- Inform guardians or friends about interview venues for added security.
