The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians regarding a surge in fraudulent job recruitment schemes. The commission urges the public to exercise vigilance and avoid falling prey to these scams.

PenCom revealed that scammers are increasingly impersonating its officials to deceive unsuspecting job seekers. These fraudulent communications are being disseminated through various channels, including WhatsApp messages, emails, and direct phone calls.

According to the commission, these fraudsters often create a false sense of urgency, citing a 48-hour deadline to pressure individuals into divulging sensitive personal information. A common tactic involves requesting victims to submit confidential documents, such as identification details and personal records, to a purported "secretary" via WhatsApp, which PenCom identifies as a significant red flag.

Reports indicate that some perpetrators go as far as impersonating the Director-General of PenCom to lend an air of legitimacy to their fraudulent operations. The commission strongly advises the public against responding to suspicious WhatsApp messages or emails, recommending that they be deleted immediately and not shared with others.

This warning comes at a time when regulatory bodies are intensifying efforts to combat financial fraud. The Securities and Exchange Commission recently shut down over 400 fraudulent investment schemes that were targeting Nigerians.

Despite these challenges, Nigeria's pension industry continues to show growth, with total pension assets reaching ₦29.43 trillion as of February 2026. PenCom reiterated its commitment to protecting pension assets and urged citizens to remain cautious and verify all job-related communications through official channels.