Dear Lagos Hustler,
If you’ve ever dressed in your finest shirt, borrowed transport fare, and landed at an “interview” that turned into a GNLD, Norland, or soap-selling seminar, this is for you.
And if you haven’t experienced it yet — read this like your peace of mind depends on it… because it absolutely does.
In Lagos, job scams are as common as potholes — you see them everywhere, and they mess you up when you least expect it. So how do you avoid wasting your last ₦1,000 on a job that’s fake?
Let’s break it down:
1. If the Job Ad Is Vague, It’s a Trap
If you see something like:
“Urgent Vacancy! No Experience Needed! Apply Now!”
…but it doesn’t mention:
The company name
The exact job role
What the job actually involves
That’s not a job — that’s bait. Real jobs give real details.
2. They Say “Dress Corporate”, But The Office Looks Like a Tutorial Center
You get to Ikeja or Surulere, expecting a proper office.
Instead, you find a sweaty, overcrowded room, guys holding brown envelopes, and one man in a faded tie shouting names from a list.
Before long, a “motivational speaker” starts pitching something about global opportunities — next thing you know, they’re selling supplements and starter packs.
That’s not employment. That’s GNLD 101.
3. If They Ask for Money, It’s 100% a Scam
Real companies pay you.
Scammers want you to:
Buy a form
Pay for “training”
Pay for an ID card
Buy a starter pack
If you’re paying before earning, you’re being played.
4. If the Job is “Marketing” But They Hide What You’re Marketing… Run
They call it:
“Business Executive” or “Sales Partner”
You show up and they hand you cream, flyers, and a daily target.
That’s not “business development”. That’s door-to-door wahala.
If the job description is shady, trust your instincts and walk away.
5. Always Google Before You Go
Copy the message you received and paste it into Google, Nairaland, or Twitter/X.
Search the company name. Search the address.
Chances are, someone already posted:
“Scam alert! Don’t go there, it’s GNLD o!”
Even the address alone might bring up old threads or blog warnings.
Pro tip: Use Instagram too. Many scammers just change numbers, not their tactics.
⚠️ BONUS: Lagos Hotspots for Fake Job Scams (Based on Street Reports)
📍 Ikeja (Computer Village, Opebi, Allen)
Scam central for fake “training centers” and vague interviews.
📍 Ogba (College Road, Aguda)
Common pyramid scheme hub. Watch out for “multinational” buzzwords.
📍 Surulere (Bode Thomas, Iponri, Alaka)
Known for shady “offices” with zero branding or HR presence.
📍 Lekki Phase 1 (Admiralty Road)
Scammers here dress it up as “remote sales” or “brand ambassador” for Gen Z — but it’s just door-to-door hustle.
📍 Agege (Pen Cinema, Capitol Road)
Classic zone for “youth empowerment” and get-rich-quick traps.
💡 Final Advice for the Lagos Job Seeker
Lagos will try to recruit you into a business, not employ you in one.
So stay sharp:
Ask questions
Verify everything online
And never, ever pay before you earn
Because no real job will ask you to buy soap or cream before giving you salary.
Source:
Nairaland / @alphonsoolajide
