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.
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.
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.
“The scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming a 48-hour deadline to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information,” the commission stated.
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.
The commission also warned that some of the perpetrators go as far as impersonating the Director-General to lend credibility to their fraudulent schemes.
“Do not respond to suspicious WhatsApp messages or emails. Delete them immediately and refrain from sharing them with others,” PenCom advised.
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.
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.
The commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding pension assets while urging Nigerians to remain cautious and verify any job-related communication through official channels.
