tayo200:
As a young graduate entering the competitive job market in Nigeria, it's essential to navigate through the myriad of job opportunities with caution and vigilance. Unfortunately, fake job adverts are prevalent, targeting unsuspecting job seekers with promises of lucrative positions. We'll explore strategies for identifying and avoiding fake job adverts, as well as essential tips for a successful job search in Nigeria.

Identifying Fake Job Adverts:
1. Unrealistic Promises: Beware of job adverts that promise high salaries or quick promotions with minimal qualifications or experience.
2. Lack of Company Information: Legitimate job adverts usually provide detailed information about the company, including its history, industry, and contact details.
3. Request for Payment: Never respond to job adverts that require payment for registration, training, or processing fees. Legitimate employers do not ask for money from job seekers.
4. Poor Language and Grammar: Fake job adverts often contain spelling errors, poor grammar, and vague job descriptions, indicating a lack of professionalism.

Tips for a Successful Job Search:
1. Research and Networking: Network with professionals in your industry, attend job fairs, and utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to build connections and learn about job opportunities.
2. Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to match the job requirements of each position you apply for, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
3. Stay Updated: Regularly check reputable job platforms, company websites, and official government job portals for legitimate job listings.
4. Verify Job Offers: Before accepting a job offer, research the company, verify the authenticity of the job vacancy and their contact information like phone number (I use Truecaller to do this all the time and it's the best I can recommend for identifying job scammer numbers easily so as not to fall victim)
5. Trust Your Instincts: If a job advert seems too good to be true or raises red flags, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.

Navigating the job market as a young graduate in Nigeria can be challenging, especially when faced with fake job adverts that prey on unsuspecting job seekers. By arming yourself with knowledge, staying vigilant, and following the tips outlined in this article, you can avoid falling victim to fraudulent job offers and secure a legitimate and rewarding job opportunity. Remember, patience, perseverance, and due diligence are key to a successful job search in Nigeria.

tayo200:
We are back again to talk about the most common scam in Nigeria, and it's happening more often than you might realize. Here's the scoop on what this scam is, how it tricks people, and what you can do to keep yourself safe.

What is the 419 Scam

The "419 scam," also known as the Nigerian Prince scam, is a notorious type of fraud named after the section of the Nigerian penal code that addresses fraud (Section 419). This scam has been around for decades and typically involves a compelling story that entices people to send money in advance with the promise of a larger reward that never materializes.

How the 419 Scam Works

Scammers target people through email, social media, or phone calls, pretending to be a Nigerian prince, government official, or wealthy individual needing help to transfer a large sum of money. They tell convincing stories about:
- A large inheritance needs a transfer.
- Leftover funds from an overpaid government contract.
- A dormant bank account from a deceased person with no heirs.
- Winning a lottery or prize the victim didn't enter.
The person is promised a big share of the money if they help transfer it. To do this, the scammer asks for upfront fees, like legal costs, taxes, or bribes. After the initial payment, the scammer keeps inventing new expenses, asking for more money. Eventually, the scammer disappears, and the promised fortune never comes. The person loses their money with no way to recover it.

Red Flags and Common Tactics
- Unsolicited contact involving large sums of money.
- Creating urgency for quick action without verification.
- Requesting confidentiality, citing security or privacy reasons.
- Using emotional stories to gain sympathy.
- Emails with spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and awkward phrasing.
- Offers that seem unbelievably profitable.

Protecting Yourself from 419 Scams
- Be suspicious of unsolicited messages promising large sums of money.
- Independently verify the identity of the contact through official channels.
- Avoid sending money to unknown or unverified people.
- Research offers and individuals thoroughly for signs of scams.
- Report suspected scams to authorities and relevant platforms.
- Be cautious about sharing personal or financial information online or over the phone.
- Always verify the details of the number on Truecaller.

The 419 scam is a widespread and harmful fraud that exploits an individual's trust and greed. Staying informed and vigilant helps protect against these scams.

Share your scam stories! What types of scams have you encountered? How did you identify and avoid them? Let’s raise awareness and support each other in staying safe.

Dvirginias:
As a small business owner, one of my fears is being scammed by suppliers. I've heard different stories of business owners being scammed and it gives me this fear cos imagine getting scammed amidst these economic challenges being faced in Nigeria already.

Unfortunately, I had a taste of those scammers and I wish I had known earlier about Truecaller in my business journey; it could have prevented scams by providing verified caller IDs whenever I have a call.
Now, I use Truecaller to confirm identities of callers and conduct business with peace of mind.

080cee:
After a long day at work, Oyin trudged back to her apartment feeling exhausted. She dropped her bag on the floor and flopped down on the couch, letting out a deep sigh. Lagos work wan kill her.

Oyin: (rubbing her temples) Ugh, I can't believe how draining today was. (checks her phone screen) and now I have all these messages to respond to as well.

Her roommate and good friend, Sarah, entered the living room and noticed Oyin's tired expression.

Sarah: Hey, are you okay? You look like you've had a rough day.

Oyin: (nodding) Yeah, work was just... ugh. And now I have all these messages on my phone that I need to reply to. I don't even know where to start.

Sarah: (smirking) And I have so many gist for you.

Oyin: See, I'm too tired to hear anything now. How I'm gonna respond to all these messages on my phone is the issue now. We can gist later babes.

Sarah: Well, have you heard of this app called Truecaller?

Oyin: Truecaller? No, what is it?

Sarah: It's an app that has the capability to filter messages into different categories, making it easier for you to manage your inbox and make you focus on the important messages. It has been a game-changer for me.

Oyin's eyes widened with interest as Sarah explained how Truecaller could help simplify her overwhelming message situation.

Oyin: That sounds amazing! Can you show me how it works?

Sarah promptly fetched her phone and gave Oyin a quick tutorial on setting up Truecaller.

Later that evening, Oyin sat down with her phone, now armed with the knowledge of how to use Truecaller. She was amazed at how efficiently it organized her messages into categories like 'Finance', ',Coupons', ‘Promotions’, ‘Spam/Junks’ and ‘Personal’.

Oyin: (excitedly) Sarah, this app is a lifesaver! I can't believe how much time and energy it's going to save me. Thank you so much for recommending it. I owe you one big chicken from Chicken Republic and a cold Coca-cola drink.

Sarah smiled, happy to have helped her friend find a solution to her message overload.

Sarah: No problem, Oyin. I'm glad it's going to make your life easier. Now you can relax and unwind without the stress of a cluttered inbox and we can always gist without worrying of anything.

And so, Oyin was able to kick back, relax, and finally enjoy her evening without the constant worry of unanswered messages weighing her down. All thanks to the magic of Truecaller.

tayo200:
I was talking with a friend and he shared how he was almost duped in a bus in Lagos.

He boarded this bus in Berger going home after the days work. While in the bus, he received a call from one of his big brother based in the States. The brother wanted to buy a car for their dad as a surprise birthday gift at home. So the passenger heard all their conversation. On ending the call, the driver said he has someone who sells car. They talked for a while and the driver gave him a number. He saved the number, so as to call later when he gets home.

On getting home, as he wanted to call the number, Truecaller brought the number as "Car retailer Scam". Alas! It's a scammer number. He was shocked because the driver was so convincing and sounded authentic.

That was how he was saved. He would have landed himself into the scammer net if not for Truecaller that detected it's a scam.

Na God save am.

symbianDON:
Seems there are now truecaller marketers on nairaland. This is like the 5th thread i have read now where 'truecaller saved someone from scam'

080cee:
Sometime in 2020 just immediately after Covid lockdown, my father got a call from a certain “Williams Williams” as identified by Truecaller… he claimed to be from his bank without mentioning a particular banks name. During the cause of their conversation about BVN linkage my father asked “what is your name”? the criminal said Mattew from your bank. Again my father asked “Why then is Truecaller showing your name as Williams Williams then he replied “ I didn’t register the line with my real name” immediately my father said Call me with the bank Line and we can finish the conversation…. Until today we are still waiting for his call.. Living in a society filled with scammers, it’s essential everyone both young and old make use of Truecaller for true identity of their callers.

MichaelsKachy07:
My phone vibrated, it was a text message, I opened it immediately as I don't like leaving unread texts on my phone. It was a recharge PIN from an unsaved/unknown number, as I was still contemplating on what to do, my phone began to ring, I looked at my screen and Truecaller has already identified the caller as scam. I picked the call notwithstanding, I wanted to hear what he has to say and maybe give him a few words to digest. I answered and a young man spoke up "brother abeg can you help me send back the card I sent you ? It was a mistake", I told him "you're supposed to still have it on your phone in your sent items as per say na text", Omo, next thing I heard, the guy began to recite what sounded like incantations, Omo I sharply cut the call to avoid being jazzed. You guys should be safe out there ! Encourage people around you to use Truecaller to safeguard themselves against these scams.

Vecta5:

Lol... Omo. You will not understand.. It was all a fast one. Glad I didn't fall. One just have to be extra careful.

Forget about the Truecaller for a minute, are you saying if they had asked you sensitive questions over the phone and you did not have Truecaller you would have given them the info?

You need wisdom to live in Nigeria o. Everyday things are happening.

If any one calls, and you are not sure just tell them you will go to your bank in 20 minutes to fix whatever the issue is. If they insist, cut the call

Vecta5:

Lol... Omo. You wilo not understand.. It was all a fast one. Glad I didn't fall. One just have to be extra careful.

Forget about the Truecaller for a minute, are you saying if they had asked you sensitive questions over the phone and you did not have Truecaller you would have given them the info?

You need wisdom to live in Nigeria o. Everyday things are happening.

If any one calls, and you are not sure just tell them you will go to your bank in 20 minutes to fix whatever the issue is. If they insist, cut the call

emzyvasper:
when did you order yours?