Scam Alert: IOM reports over 1,000 Nigerians duped in fake UK job offer scheme

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has raised an alarm, revealing that more than 1,000 Nigerians fell victim to fraudulent job opportunities in the United Kingdom (UK). Laurent De Boeck, Chief of Mission at IOM, disclosed this disheartening information during a press conference held in Abuja on Monday.

According to De Boeck, individuals seeking employment overseas were deceived into paying substantial amounts, with some losing as much as $10,000 each in pursuit of the purported job opportunities in the UK. The scammers issued fake employment letters to the victims, facilitating the acquisition of visas for the UK. However, upon arrival, the deceived individuals discovered that the organizations in question did not recognize the forged letters.

He expressed concern, stating, “There are some of them who lost over $10,000 only to be given fake employment letters, which allowed them to get visas. They get there, present the letters, and the organisations tell them that the letters did not emanate from the organisations. Over a thousand people are affected.”

As a consequence of this scam, the victims now find themselves stranded in the UK due to a lack of means to return to Nigeria. The IOM’s revelation underscores the importance of heightened awareness and caution among individuals seeking employment opportunities abroad to avoid falling prey to such fraudulent schemes.