Commission warns public against fake, AI-generated employment letters as fraudsters exploit job seekers
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has raised the alarm over a recruitment scam involving fake and artificial intelligence (AI)-generated employment letters being circulated in the name of the Commission.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday by Eniola Akinkuotu, Head, Media and Corporate Communications, the Commission warned that criminal elements have been extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public under the pretext of helping them secure employment at the regulatory agency.
“The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (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 statement read.
According to the Commission, reports reaching its headquarters indicate that some unscrupulous individuals have been collecting money from desperate job seekers while falsely claiming to have connections that could facilitate their recruitment into the agency.
The NUPRC disclosed that it has reported the activities of the suspected fraudsters to relevant law enforcement agencies and is awaiting the outcome of investigations.
“While the NUPRC has reported the activities of these criminal elements to law enforcement agencies and awaits an outcome of the investigation, members of the public are advised to be circumspect so they don’t fall victim,” the statement added.
The Commission stated categorically that there is no ongoing recruitment exercise at the agency, urging job seekers to disregard any purported employment offer or recruitment process that does not emanate through the Commission’s authorised channels.
“The NUPRC states categorically that there is no ongoing recruitment exercise at the Commission,” Akinkuotu emphasised.
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However, the Commission clarified that when it does decide to recruit in the future, the process will be conducted transparently and strictly in accordance with extant laws and government regulations.
“When the Commission does decide to recruit, it will be done strictly in line with the extant laws and government regulations,” the statement said.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the increasing use of artificial intelligence by fraudsters to create convincing forged documents capable of misleading members of the public.
The NUPRC advised job seekers to exercise caution, verify all employment-related information through official channels, and avoid making payments to any individual or organisation promising employment opportunities at the Commission.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X