Key takeaways
- A real employer does not ask you to pay to get a job.
- Be careful with offers that arrive from nowhere, promise high pay for little work or move quickly to private chat apps.
- Verify the company through its official website, not through links in the message.
The short answer
Job scams prey on people who need work. The scammer offers an attractive position, then asks for money, documents or bank details before anything is delivered. The pattern is called an advance-fee scam, because you pay first and the promised reward never arrives. A few checks can protect you.
Common warning signs
| Warning sign | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| You must pay a fee for training, registration, equipment or a visa | Real employers do not charge you to start work |
| The pay is very high for very little work | Scammers use big promises as bait |
| The recruiter contacts you first on WhatsApp, Telegram or social media | Legitimate hiring usually has an official channel |
| Interviews are done only by chat | Real companies normally have calls or meetings |
| You are asked for ID, bank details or a one-time code early | This can lead to identity theft or account takeover |
| Poor spelling, a free email address or a rushed deadline | Pressure stops you from checking |
Common scam types
- Pay-to-work scams: you pay a fee for a job that does not exist.
- Fake cheque or equipment scams: you are sent a payment and asked to forward part of it, or to buy equipment, and later the cheque or transfer is reversed.
- Task scams: you are paid small amounts for easy online tasks, then asked to “invest” larger amounts to continue.
- Fake overseas offers: a visa or relocation package that demands upfront fees.
How to check an offer
- Find the company’s official website yourself, using a search, and look for the same vacancy on its careers page.
- Check that the recruiter’s email uses the company’s own domain, not a free address.
- Search the company name with the word “scam” and read what others say.
- Ask for a video call, and be suspicious if they refuse.
- Look at the recruiter’s profile on a professional network and check how long it has existed.
- Ask a friend or a family member to review the offer before you reply.
Protect your details
- Do not send copies of your ID, bank details or BVN until you have a real contract and have verified the company.
- Never share one-time codes. See two-step verification compared.
- Use a separate email address for job searching.
- Be careful with links. See phishing emails and SMS scams for more on message scams.
- Do not pay anyone to “guarantee” a job.
If you already paid or shared information
- Stop all contact with the scammer. Do not send more money.
- Contact your bank or payment provider immediately and explain what happened. Quick action can help.
- Change passwords on accounts you may have shared, and switch on two-step verification. See password manager and two-factor login.
- Keep screenshots, receipts and messages as evidence.
- Report the scam to the police and to the proper authority in your country. In Nigeria, you can contact the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. In the United States, you can report to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
- Warn friends and the platform where you found the offer.
Where to find real work
- Official company websites and well-known job boards.
- University or professional associations.
- Recommendations from people you trust.
- Freelance platforms that hold payment securely. See learning to code for free in Nigeria.
Quick checklist
- Never pay to get a job
- Verify the company on its official website
- Be wary of chat-only interviews
- Protect your ID and bank details
- Report scams quickly
- Ask someone you trust for a second opinion
Key points to remember
Scammers rely on hope and speed. Slow down, check independently and trust the process of verification over any promise.
This guide is general information to help you decide and act with confidence. Features, prices and settings change, so confirm current details with your device maker or service provider before you act. Last reviewed October 2026. Read our editorial standards.
