PenCom warns public against rising job recruitment scams

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The National Pension Commission has issued a strong warning to Nigerians over a rising wave of recruitment scams, urging the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.

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The commission, in a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, revealed that scammers are increasingly impersonating its officials to deceive unsuspecting job seekers.

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According to PenCom, the fraudsters are reaching out through various channels, including WhatsApp messages, emails, and direct phone calls, falsely claiming to offer employment opportunities within the Commission.

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“The scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming a 48-hour deadline to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information,” the commission stated.

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PenCom disclosed that victims are typically asked to submit confidential documents such as identification details and personal records to a supposed “secretary” via WhatsApp — a tactic it described as a clear red flag.

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The commission also warned that some of the perpetrators go as far as impersonating the Director-General to lend credibility to their fraudulent schemes.

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“Do not respond to suspicious WhatsApp messages or emails. Delete them immediately and refrain from sharing them with others,” PenCom advised.

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The warning comes amid broader efforts by regulators to clamp down on financial fraud. Recently, the Securities and Exchange Commission shut down over 400 fraudulent investment schemes targeting unsuspecting Nigerians.

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Despite these challenges, Nigeria’s pension industry continues to record significant growth. PenCom noted that total pension assets rose to ₦29.43 trillion as of February 2026, reflecting sustained contributions and positive investment performance.

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The commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding pension assets while urging Nigerians to remain cautious and verify any job-related communication through official channels.

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