The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has raised the alarm over a surge in recruitment scams, warning that fraudsters are increasingly impersonating its officials to exploit job seekers.
In a statement issued on Tuesday via its official X handle, the commission disclosed that the perpetrators are circulating fraudulent job offers designed to harvest personal information and defraud unsuspecting Nigerians.
PenCom noted that the scams are being executed through WhatsApp messages, emails, and phone calls, with the impostors falsely claiming to offer employment within the commission. It described the trend as particularly concerning, as victims are often pressured to respond swiftly, thereby increasing their vulnerability. The commission urged the public to remain vigilant, verify all job-related communications, and refrain from sharing sensitive information.
According to the statement, the fraudsters frequently create a false sense of urgency, sometimes imposing deadlines as short as 48 hours for the submission of personal details. “The scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming a 48-hour deadline to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information,” the commission stated.
PenCom further revealed that victims are typically instructed to forward confidential documents—including identification details and personal records—to a purported “secretary” via WhatsApp, a tactic it identified as a clear indicator of fraud.
The commission added that, in some instances, the perpetrators go as far as impersonating the Director-General to lend credibility to their schemes.
Advising Nigerians, PenCom stated: “Do not respond to suspicious WhatsApp messages or emails. Delete them immediately, and refrain from sharing them with others.”
The commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding pension assets and sustaining public confidence in the system. It also urged Nigerians to exercise caution at all times and to verify any job opportunity or official communication through its authorised channels before taking action.
