PENCOM cautions Nigerians against growing recruitment fraud

The National Pension Commission has warned Nigerians about a surge in recruitment scams and urged the public to stay vigilant to avoid being defrauded.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Tuesday, the commission revealed that scammers are increasingly impersonating its officials to deceive unsuspecting job seekers.

According to PenCom, the fraudsters are reaching out through various channels, including WhatsApp messages, emails, and direct phone calls, falsely claiming to offer employment opportunities within the Commission.

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

PenCom disclosed that victims were typically asked to submit confidential documents, such as identification details and personal records, to a supposed “secretary” via WhatsApp, a tactic it described as a clear red flag.

The commission also warned that some perpetrators even impersonate the Director-General to make their fraudulent schemes appear credible.

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

The commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding pension assets while urging Nigerians to remain cautious and verify any job-related communication through official channels.