Start here
Scammers post attractive remote‑job ads on WhatsApp groups, Telegram channels, and Facebook pages. They ask for an “activation fee” — often ₦5,000 to ₦30,000 — promising a high‑paying role once the fee is paid. The fee is usually requested via Opay, Palmpay, or direct bank transfer. After payment the recruiter disappears, leaving the victim with no job and lost cash.
Step-by-step
- Collect the offer details. Save the message, the sender’s phone number, and any links or documents they share.
- Search the company name. Use Google, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) portal, or LinkedIn to confirm the business exists and has a verifiable address.
- Check the contact channel. Legitimate firms rarely recruit exclusively through personal WhatsApp or Telegram accounts. Look for an official email domain (e.g., @company.com) and a corporate website.
- Ask for a video interview. Real employers will schedule a Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams call. Refuse to proceed if they insist on chat‑only communication.
- Request a written offer letter. The letter should be on company letterhead, include a verifiable HR contact, and state the salary in naira with a clear payment schedule.
- Verify the bank details. Use the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) “Bank Verification Number” (BVN) lookup or ask your bank to confirm the account name matches the company name.
- Never pay an activation fee. No genuine employer asks for money before you start work. If a fee is demanded, treat it as a red flag and stop communication.
- Report the scam. Forward the message to the WhatsApp “Report” feature, the Telegram “Report Spam” button, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) via their online portal.