Job seekers in Nigeria are increasingly becoming victims of employment scams disguised as interview invitations. These scammers prey on desperation and urgency, often sending emails, texts, or WhatsApp messages promising high-paying positions without proper verification. As a job seeker, it is crucial to remain vigilant and know how to differentiate between genuine interview invites and fraudulent ones.

One of the first signs of a scam interview is the use of unprofessional or free email domains such as gmail.com, yahoo.com, or even strangely modified versions of real companies. Legitimate companies typically send interview invitations using their official domain names (e.g., hr@companyname.com). If an invitation comes from a generic or suspicious-looking email address, it should raise immediate red flags. Additionally, most fake interviews avoid mentioning specific job roles you applied for. They often use vague phrases like “you have been shortlisted” without referencing the actual job application. This is a key trick used to cast a wide net and deceive multiple job seekers at once.

Another common tactic involves the demand for upfront payments. Whether it’s a “training fee”, “application processing fee”, “ID card issuance”, or even “medical test charges”, no reputable company should ask for money from candidates. The moment an interview invitation demands any form of payment, it should be considered a scam. Also, fake recruiters might request sensitive information like your BVN, bank account details, or a scanned ID even before a formal employment offer is made. This could lead to identity theft or financial fraud.

Poor grammar, awkward sentence structures, or unprofessional formatting in the email or message is another warning sign. Genuine recruiters take time to communicate clearly and professionally. A legitimate interview invite will include key details such as the company name, the position you’re interviewing for, the interview format (in-person or virtual), exact date and time, location or platform link, and a contact person. If these are missing or vaguely presented, the invitation is likely a scam.

Scammers are also known to avoid proper interview protocols. You may receive invites to conduct interviews strictly via WhatsApp chat or Telegram with no video call or formal meeting. While remote interviews are now more common, most credible employers use professional platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. An unwillingness to schedule a face-to-face meeting, even virtually, is a tactic used to hide the scammer’s identity.

To further protect yourself, always research the company’s existence online. Check their official website, LinkedIn page, or other professional job platforms like Jobberman. Try contacting their HR department directly using numbers listed on their official site. If no online presence exists or the contact details don’t match what’s in the invitation, then it’s safer to walk away. You can also search the message text online—many job scammers use the same script, and chances are, someone has reported a similar experience on platforms like Reddit.

In Nigeria, job scams have been reported to appear more frequently during economic hardship or when new graduates are flooding the job market. Some scammers even go as far as setting up fake company websites and temporary office addresses to convince unsuspecting candidates. These setups often dissolve shortly after they’ve collected enough money or data from victims. It is always advisable to attend physical interviews at well-known commercial locations or company headquarters rather than obscure places like empty halls, event centers, or residential areas.

If you ever suspect an interview invitation is fake, do not engage further. Avoid sharing personal details and definitely do not pay any fee. Report the incident to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Police Cybercrime Unit, or job platform administrators if the scam came through their site. Sharing your experience on online forums can also help warn others.

In summary, recognizing a scam interview invitation involves checking the sender’s email, assessing the professionalism of the message, verifying company details, avoiding requests for money or personal data, and confirming the authenticity of the job role. Being cautious can protect not just your finances, but also your personal identity and peace of mind.