The Heartbreak of a Fake Interview

There is nothing more painful than ironing your only white shirt, braving Lagos traffic from Ikorodu to Ikeja, and arriving at an “interview” only to find a whiteboard and someone shouting about how to become a millionaire by selling health supplements.

We have all been victims or near-victims of GNLD and other fake job scams. Scammers prey on the desperation of job seekers in Nigeria. It is time to get smart and protect your time and transport fare.

Here is how to spot a fake job invite instantly:

  1. Vague Job Descriptions: If the text message says, “You have been invited for an interview for the position of Business Development/Admin/Customer Care,” run. Real companies hire for specific roles.
  2. No Company Name: Real recruiters are proud of their employer brand. If the invite just says “A Multinational Company,” it’s likely a scam.
  3. You Didn’t Apply: Unless you are a highly sought-after executive being headhunted on LinkedIn, random companies do not just magically find your number to offer you an interview.
  4. They Ask for Money: This is the ultimate red flag. You should NEVER pay for an interview, a medical test, or an “ID card processing fee” before getting hired.
  5. Use the Nairaland Test: Copy the address or phone number from the invite and search for it on Nairaland or Twitter. Scammers recycle the same addresses (especially around Opebi and Ikeja).

Trust Your Instincts

If an offer looks too good to be true, it is. If you are a fresh graduate with zero experience and a company is offering you ₦500,000 monthly with no clear job description, pause and investigate.

Always do your due diligence. Check their website, look up their employees on LinkedIn, and confirm the physical address on Google Maps. Don’t let desperation cloud your judgment.