The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has warned Nigerians to be alert following a rise in job recruitment scams across the country, as fraudsters increasingly target unemployed youths and job seekers.
In a statement released on Tuesday via its official account on X, the commission said it had received reports of individuals impersonating its officials to deceive members of the public with fake job offers.
According to PenCom, the scammers use different methods to reach their victims, including WhatsApp messages, emails, and direct phone calls. They often claim to be staff of the commission and promise employment opportunities to unsuspecting individuals.
The commission explained that many of the messages are designed to create panic and urgency. In some cases, victims are told they have only 48 hours to complete a supposed recruitment process or risk losing the opportunity.
“The scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming a 48-hour deadline to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information,” the commission stated.
PenCom revealed that those behind the scheme usually request confidential documents from their targets. These include identification details, personal records, and sometimes financial information. Victims are often asked to send these details to a person described as a “secretary” through WhatsApp.
The commission stressed that such requests are a major warning sign and should not be taken lightly.
It also raised concern that some fraudsters go as far as impersonating top officials of the commission, including the Director-General, in order to appear credible and gain the trust of their targets.
“Do not respond to suspicious WhatsApp messages or emails. Delete them immediately and refrain from sharing them with others,” PenCom advised.
The warning comes at a time when unemployment and underemployment remain serious challenges in Nigeria, making many young people vulnerable to fraudulent job offers. With many graduates actively searching for work, scammers have found an opportunity to exploit their desperation.
In many cases, victims only realise they have been scammed after sharing personal information or even paying money for fake processing fees, training, or documentation.
PenCom highlighted that it does not conduct recruitment through unofficial channels and warned Nigerians to always verify any job-related information directly from its official platforms.
The commission urged the public to be cautious and to avoid engaging with unknown individuals who claim to represent government agencies without proper verification.
This latest alert is part of wider efforts by regulators to tackle fraud in Nigeria’s financial and public sectors. Recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that it had shut down more than 400 fraudulent investment schemes operating across the country.
These schemes, often referred to as Ponzi schemes, promise high returns but eventually collapse, leaving investors with heavy losses. Like recruitment scams, they rely on false promises and deception to attract victims.
Authorities say public awareness is key to reducing the impact of such crimes. By educating people on common tactics used by fraudsters, regulators hope to limit the number of victims.
Despite the growing concern over scams, Nigeria’s pension industry has continued to show strong performance. PenCom disclosed that total pension assets had risen to ₦29.43 trillion as of February 2026.
The increase reflects steady contributions from workers and employers, as well as gains from investments made by pension fund administrators. The commission said it remains focused on protecting these funds and ensuring the stability of the pension system.
However, they also warn that the rise in financial activity makes it even more important to guard against fraud and protect both institutions and individuals.
PenCom reiterated its commitment to safeguarding pension funds and maintaining public trust. It also called on Nigerians to play their part by staying informed and reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
For many job seekers, the commission’s message is clear: any offer that seems too good to be true should be treated with caution.
As recruitment scams continue to evolve, experts advise Nigerians to rely only on verified sources, avoid sharing personal information with strangers, and take time to confirm the authenticity of any opportunity before taking action.
With increased vigilance and public awareness, authorities believe the impact of such scams can be reduced, helping to protect citizens from financial loss and identity theft.