Is That Job Posting a Scam? How to Spot Fake Offers in Nigeria

Scammers know many Nigerians are looking for remote or flexible work. They post tempting ads on WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, Facebook, and even legitimate job boards. 

The promises look perfect, good pay, quick hiring, work-from-home, “no experience needed.” Before you click “apply,” use these four checks to protect your money, data, and peace of mind.

Here is how to spot fake offers in Nigeria:

1) Verify the employer properly

Open the company’s official website and look for a careers page with the same job. If you cannot find it, be careful. Check the email domain of the “recruiter.” Real companies rarely hire from free addresses like Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook. 

If the domain looks odd (for example, “@company.work” instead of “@company.com”), pause and dig deeper. Search LinkedIn for the recruiter’s name and see if they list the company as their current employer. 

If it is a Nigerian company, look up the legal name on the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) public search. A real employer will have a verifiable address, phone line, and digital footprint that matches.

2) Refuse any request to pay first

Legitimate employers do not ask you to buy equipment, pay for “training,” purchase software licences, or send money to “activate” your offer. They also do not ask you to handle payments on their behalf, move funds between accounts, or receive “client fees” in your personal bank account. 

Those are classic fraud patterns that leave you liable when the transfer is flagged. Never share your BVN, ATM PIN, card details, OTP, or the back of your card. If they insist you must “pay and get reimbursed,” walk away.

3) Demand a proper interview and documents

Scammers love chat-only interviews on Telegram, WhatsApp, or obscure messaging apps. A real company can schedule a short video call, use a company email calendar invite, and send you a formal offer letter on letterhead after the process. 

The letter should carry a registered company name, RC number (for Nigerian firms), clear role, pay, start date, reporting line, and contact details you can call to confirm. If they rush you to start tomorrow, cannot answer basic questions about the role, or dodge a simple video chat, it is likely fake.

4) Check the language and the numbers

Poor spelling, strange grammar, and copy-paste job descriptions are red flags, especially from “global brands.” Too-good-to-be-true pay for entry roles, instant sign-on bonuses, and “work 2 hours, earn ₦500,000 monthly” are bait. 

Compare the salary with local market ranges. If the figures look wild and they are pressuring you to commit now, assume it is a scam until proven otherwise.