By Chiagoziem Abosi
In Lagos, job hunting is already a struggle, but for many desperate job seekers, it has become a nightmare. Fake job agencies are everywhere, preying on people’s desperation. They promise good jobs but demand money for interviews, training, or placement—only to disappear after collecting fees.
For many, it’s not just about losing money. It’s about lost hope.
“I Paid ₦15,000 for a Job That Didn’t Exist”
Chiamaka, a fresh graduate living in Ikeja, shares her pain:
“I saw a job listing online for an administrative assistant role in a company at Allen Avenue. I applied, and they called me immediately, saying I was shortlisted. But first, I had to pay ₦15,000 for training. They said it was a ‘company policy’ and would be refunded after I got the job.”
She paid. A week later, she arrived at the supposed office, only to find other victims standing outside. The ‘recruiters’ had vanished.
“That was my transport money for the month. I cried. I felt so stupid.”
Endless Interviews, No Job
For David, a job seeker in Ogba, the scam took another form.
“They told me I had passed the first stage and invited me for a second interview. Then a third. Then a fourth. After the fifth, they said I needed to pay ₦10,000 for ‘job processing.’ I was exhausted and broke, so I borrowed the money. That was the last time I heard from them.”
David later discovered the same agency had been running the scam for years.
How These Scammers Operate
🔴 They post fake job vacancies on social media and job websites.
🔴 They use urgent language—“Limited slots! Apply now!”—to pressure people.
🔴 They demand money for interviews, ID cards, or ‘training’ before giving job offers.
🔴 Some even set up fake offices to look legitimate before disappearing.
How to Spot a Job Scam
✅ If a company asks for money before hiring, RUN.
✅ Verify the company online. Search for reviews before attending interviews.
✅ Legitimate jobs don’t require payment for interviews or processing.
Enough Is Enough! Share Your Story
Have you or someone you know been scammed while job hunting? Let’s expose these fraudsters. Drop your story in the comments and help others stay safe!
