How to spot fake job offers and recruitment scams online

Good jobs are hard to find, which is why fake job offers work so well. They arrive by email, social media and chat apps, and they target people who are hopeful and in a hurry.

Warning signs

1. You must pay for training, registration, uniforms, medical tests or "slot reservation". Real employers do not charge you to hire you.
2. The offer is too good, with high pay for little experience.
3. No interview, or only a chat interview, and an instant job offer.
4. The email uses a free address instead of a company domain.
5. Pressure to act fast or to keep the offer secret.
6. Requests for sensitive details such as your bank PIN, your card number or your ID before you have even signed a contract.

How to check an employer

• Search the company name with the word "scam" or "reviews".
• Visit its official website by typing the address yourself and look for the same job there.
• Call the company using a number from its official site.
• Ask for the job description, pay and place of work in writing.

Protect yourself

Share only the details needed to apply. Do not send copies of documents until you have verified the employer. Never move money for a new "boss" or buy gift cards or airtime for them.

If you have been tricked

Stop all contact, keep the messages, tell your bank if you sent money, and report to the platform and the relevant authorities. Warn friends too.

Written by the EarnNaija team at EarnNaija Digital Technologies.

This article is general information, not financial or legal advice. Earnings are never guaranteed. See our fees page for the exact costs.