By Muhammad Bashir Shuaib

EXPLAINER REPORT

A fraudulent scheme has been uncovered targeting applicants who participated in the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) recruitment screening exercises held on September 5, 2024. The scammer, identified as Mr. Anikulapo, is claiming to have access to the list of selected applicants and is demanding a sum of #20,000 from unsuspecting individuals in exchange for a guaranteed job placement.

HOW THE SCAM WORKS

Mr. Anikulapo contacts applicants through WhatsApp, claiming to be a staff member of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). He informs the applicant that their name is not on the list of selected candidates, but he can guarantee their placement for a fee of #20,000. He then demands that the applicant keeps the transaction secretive, implying that the job placement is not official and requires under-the-table payment.

FINDINGS

Further investigation has revealed the following:

1. The phone number (+2348103349206) used by the scammer belongs to one “Wire Oja Oba” and not “Mr Anikulapo” as claimed. This discrepancy was discovered through a Truecaller search.

2. The Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has not released any information on the selection of applicants or the use of WhatsApp for job placement notifications. This suggests that the scammer’s claims are entirely false.

WARNING

Applicants are advised to be cautious and not fall victim to this scam. The Kwara State SUBEB has not authorized any individual or group to collect money in exchange for job placements. Any such claims are false and should be reported immediately.

PROTECT YOURSELF

To avoid falling victim to this scam, follow these guidelines:

1. Do not respond to suspicious messages or calls claiming to offer job placements in exchange for money.

2. Verify the authenticity of any job placement notifications through official channels, such as the Kwara State SUBEB website or authorized social media accounts.

3. Report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities, including the Nigerian Police Force and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES

If you have been contacted by the scammer or have any information regarding this scam, please report it to the following authorities:-

1. Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)  

2. Reputable Media

3. Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)