The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has warned Nigerians to be vigilant against fake recruitment advertisements and fraudulent individuals attempting to exploit job seekers through false employment offers.

The Service said it has observed an increase in scams involving fake recruitment notices, forged documents, and unofficial online platforms claiming to be conducting recruitment exercises on its behalf. It urged members of the public to disregard such claims and verify all recruitment-related information through official channels.

National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, said the fraudulent messages did not originate from the Service and should not be trusted.

“The NCS wishes to state clearly that these claims are false and did not originate from the Service,” Maiwada said.

He explained that the Nigeria Customs Service conducts its recruitment exercises transparently and only announces them through its official website, verified social media accounts, and other approved communication channels. According to him, the agency does not authorize any individual, agent, or third party to sell recruitment forms, secure employment slots, or collect money from applicants.

Maiwada noted that fraudsters often create fake websites and social media accounts while impersonating serving or retired Customs officers to convince unsuspecting victims that they can facilitate employment into the Service. He stressed that these criminals have no connection with the Nigeria Customs Service.

The spokesman warned Nigerians not to pay money to anyone claiming to guarantee recruitment into the agency. He emphasized that the Customs Service does not charge applicants any fee at any stage of its recruitment process, adding that any request for payment should be considered a scam.

He also advised job seekers to avoid sharing sensitive personal information or official documents with unknown persons or unverified online platforms claiming to represent the Service.

The Customs Service urged prospective applicants to independently confirm any recruitment announcement before taking action. It advised members of the public to visit the official NCS website or contact the nearest Customs office whenever they have questions about recruitment information circulating online.

The agency further warned that criminals are not only using fake recruitment advertisements but are also promoting fraudulent auction sales in the name of the Nigeria Customs Service. According to the Service, such scams are designed to deceive Nigerians into making payments for goods or opportunities that do not exist.

It clarified that any legitimate auction or recruitment exercise is conducted strictly in accordance with the law and announced through official government-approved channels.

The Service said it remains committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in its operations while protecting Nigerians from fraudulent schemes. It also assured the public that it is working with relevant security agencies to identify and prosecute individuals behind fake recruitment campaigns and other forms of impersonation.

As unemployment continues to drive many Nigerians to seek opportunities in public service, the Customs Service urged applicants to remain patient and avoid shortcuts that could lead to financial loss or identity theft.

The agency encouraged citizens to rely only on verified information from its official communication platforms and to report suspicious recruitment messages, fake websites, or individuals demanding money in exchange for employment.

The Nigeria Customs Service reiterated that whenever a genuine recruitment exercise is scheduled, the public will be duly informed through its official website, verified social media pages, and other recognized media platforms. It advised Nigerians to stay alert and remember that recruitment into the Service is based on merit, not on payments or personal connections.