PenCom raises alarm over surge in fake job schemes targeting Nigerians

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has warned Nigerians about a growing wave of recruitment scams in which fraudsters impersonate its officials to defraud job seekers across the country.

In a statement published on its official X account on Tuesday, the Commission said scammers are increasingly using WhatsApp messages, emails, and phone calls to pose as PenCom representatives and lure unsuspecting victims with fake job offers.

According to the Commission, the fraudsters often create urgency to pressure targets into compliance.

“The scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming a 48-hour deadline to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information,” the statement said.

PenCom explained that victims are typically instructed to submit personal documents and confidential data to a so-called “secretary” via WhatsApp — a tactic it described as a clear red flag for fraud.

It further warned that some of the suspects even impersonate senior officials, including the Director-General, in a bid to appear credible and gain trust.

“Do not respond to suspicious WhatsApp messages or emails. Delete them immediately and refrain from sharing them with others,” the Commission advised.

The agency said the rising trend reflects a broader surge in employment-related fraud targeting Nigerians, even as regulatory bodies intensify efforts to curb financial scams across the country.

It also noted that while fraud attempts are increasing, Nigeria’s pension industry remains strong, with total pension assets rising to ₦29.43 trillion as of February 2026.

PenCom reaffirmed its commitment to protecting pension contributors and urged Nigerians to verify all employment-related communications strictly through official channels to avoid falling victim to criminal networks.