The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has warned job seekers against fake recruitment offers and AI-generated employment letters being circulated in its name.
The commission also cautioned members of the public against fraudsters demanding money from unsuspecting applicants while falsely claiming they could secure jobs at the agency.
The warning was contained in a statement issued by NUPRC Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, on Tuesday.
According to the commission, it had received reports of fraudulent employment letters bearing the names of individuals who are not known to the agency.
It also said some criminal elements had been extorting money from members of the public by claiming to have connections capable of facilitating employment with the commission.
The NUPRC said it had referred the activities of the suspected fraudsters to law enforcement agencies for investigation.
“The NUPRC wishes to inform the general public about the proliferation of fake and AI-generated employment letters bearing the names of persons unknown to the Commission,” the agency said.
The commission urged job seekers to carefully verify employment-related information before responding to offers, submitting personal details or making payments.
It warned that some individuals were using false promises of employment to obtain money from unsuspecting members of the public.
“Some unscrupulous and criminal elements have been extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public under the pretext of helping them to secure employment at the Commission,” the NUPRC said.
The agency further stated that it was not currently conducting any recruitment exercise and urged prospective applicants to disregard claims suggesting otherwise.
“The NUPRC states categorically that there is no ongoing recruitment exercise at the Commission,” it said.
The commission added that whenever it begins a recruitment exercise, the process would be conducted in accordance with applicable laws and government regulations, rather than through private arrangements involving individuals seeking payment from applicants.
“However, when the Commission does decide to recruit, it will be done strictly in line with the extant laws and government regulations,” the statement added.
The NUPRC said the warning became necessary following reports of fraudulent recruitment activities targeting members of the public.
It urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid individuals presenting questionable employment documents or requesting money in exchange for supposed access to jobs at the commission.