How to avoid job scams in Nigeria

Nigeria is a country with a population of over 200 million people, and unemployment rates are at an all time high.

Many individuals are on the lookout for jobs daily, making them prone to job scams.

The rise of job scams in Nigeria is alarming. The scam artists’ modus operandi is usually to convince the job seeker that they have landed a job, and then they request money for processing fees, registration, or other fraudulent fees.

The frustration that comes with being a job seeker in Nigeria makes the scammers’ activities even more damaging to the vulnerable populace struggling to survive.

This article intends to guide readers on ways to identify and avoid job scams in Nigeria.

Research the Company

One of the primary steps to take before giving out any money or personal information is to research the company offering the job.

Before an interview or assessment score, check if the company is legitimate by asking friends and family members if they have heard of the company.

Also, do some online searches of the company’s name and read reviews or comments about their activities.

Legitimate companies have online presence and reputable brands that individuals can research about before applying.

In contrast, fraudulent companies may refuse to share details about their background, location or asking for unreasonable amounts of money before official employment.

Ignore Job Offers That Require Payment

One of the most common ways that job scammers operate is by asking for upfront payment for job processing, registration fees, or other charges that are non-existent.

Legitimate companies do not ask job seekers to pay to access any job opportunity.

If there is a condition to pay for a job opportunity, then it is a wise decision to pause and investigate.

Be wary of unverified job offers from suspicious platforms that charge high fees or tout unrealistic job offers, guarantees or promises.

Watch Out for Red Flags

Fraudulent activities come with many red flags that are usually brushed aside by job seekers, leading to more significant losses. Red flags to look out for include the following:

– Promising a job without an interview or any employment screening tests

– Requesting payment for employment opportunities

– Requesting bank, credit card, or personal identification numbers

– No job descriptions or vague job details, including salary, job title, or job functions

– Requiring personal information including a copy of the passport, national identification card, or certificate

Any company that operates with any of the above red flags is a potential job scam, and job seekers should avoid such platforms.

Solicit for References

When applying for a job, it is critical to request references, including the company’s HR email, so that you can verify the legitimacy of the offer.

Any legitimate job offer will not have qualms about offering references or contacts for further inquiries.

Analyse the Job Offer

Job seekers must scrutinize any job offer before accepting it. Ensure that the job offer is consistent with the job description, including the company’s name, job title descriptions, and salary structure.

Do not be hesitant to ask questions and clarify doubts before signing any employment to avoid future disputes or scams.

Check for Social Media Presence

Companies with official websites and social media handle signify legitimacy. Check via the company’s social media handles to verify their activities and credibility.

Legitimate companies have active social media handles with appreciable followers and engagements.