Post-UTME Scams Exposed: 5 Tactics Fake Admissions Officers Use to Target Desperate Students

Discover how fraudsters exploit Post-UTME hopefuls with fake admissions promises. Learn to spot scams, protect yourself, and report fraudsters effectively.

Post-UTME Scams Exposed: 5 Tactics Fake Admissions Officers Use to Target Desperate Students

The pressure to secure a university admission in Nigeria turns the Post-UTME season into a high-stakes battleground. Desperation often blinds students and parents to red flags, making them easy prey for ruthless scammers. In 2023 alone, the EFCC reported over 1,200 cases of admission-related fraud. This post reveals the top 5 tactics fake admissions officers use to trick students, how to avoid them, and steps to take if you’ve been targeted.  

1. “Pay to Secure Your Slot” Fraud

How It Works: Scammers impersonate university officials, claiming you must pay a “processing fee” or “reservation fee” to guarantee admission. They often cite fake deadlines to pressure victims.  

- Red Flags: 

  - Requests for payment via personal bank accounts (not official university portals).  

  - No official receipt or documentation.  

- How to Avoid: 

  - Never pay fees outside JAMB or university-sanctioned platforms.  

  - Verify payment requests directly with the school’s admissions office.  

2. Fake Social Media Accounts & Phishing Links

How It Works: Fraudsters create fake university social media pages or WhatsApp groups, sharing phishing links disguised as “Post-UTME portals” to steal login details or install malware.  

- Recent Example: A cloned UNILAG Facebook page tricked 80+ students into sharing JAMB details in 2024.  

- Red Flags: 

  - Unofficial email domains (e.g., @unilag-online.com instead of @unilag.edu.ng).  

  - Links asking for sensitive info like JAMB registration numbers.  

READ ALSO: Borno State University Vice-Chancellor Meets with JAMB Registrar and TETFund Executive Secretary

3. “Miracle Upgrade” Scams

How It Works: Scammers promise to “upgrade” low Post-UTME scores or JAMB results for a fee, often using forged screenshots of “successful” cases.  

- Red Flags:

  - Claims of “insider access” to JAMB or university systems.  

  - Requests for payment in cryptocurrency or gift cards.  

- Fact: JAMB results and Post-UTME scores cannot be altered after release.  

4. Fake Admission Letters & Portals

How It Works: Fraudsters send counterfeit admission letters via email or SMS, directing students to cloned university portals to “accept” their offer—and pay fees.  

- How to Verify: 

  - Cross-check admission status only on JAMB CAPS or the university’s official website.  

  - Look for typos, poor graphics, or mismatched logos in documents.  

5. Impersonation via Phone Calls

How It Works: Scammers call students, posing as “JAMB officials” or “university registrars,” threatening to revoke admission unless urgent payments are made.  

- Red Flags:

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU: 94-Year-Old Adedapo Idowu Defies Age Barriers, Registers for 2025 UTME to Pursue Lifelong University Dream

  - Calls from personal numbers (official bodies use registered lines).  

  - Threats of legal action or admission cancellation.  

- Tip: Hang up and contact the university via verified channels.  

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

1. Report Immediately: Contact the EFCC (via info@efcc.gov.ng) or ICPC with evidence (screenshots, bank details).  

2. Alert Your Bank: Dispute transactions if payments were made.  

3. Warn Others: Share your experience on social media to protect peers.  

How to Avoid Post-UTME Scams

- Verify Contacts: Always confirm offers via the university’s official website or hotline.  

- Ignore Unsolicited Messages: JAMB and universities never send admission offers via SMS or WhatsApp.  

- Educate Yourself: Follow JAMB’s official social media for scam alerts.  

FAQs

Q: Can scammers access my JAMB profile?  

A: No—unless you share your password. Never disclose login details.  

YOU MIGHT LIKE: Professor Isa Ali Pantami Foundation to Sponsor 1,000 Students for JAMB

Q: What if I paid a scammer?  

A: Report to authorities immediately. Recovery is possible if reported early.  

Q: Are scholarships advertised on social media legit?  

A: Rarely. Verify through the university’s financial aid office.  

Final Word

Post-UTME scams thrive on fear and misinformation. Stay vigilant, trust only official channels, and remember: no legitimate institution demands payment for admission. Share this guide to protect others—and don’t let desperation cloud your judgment.  

Need Help?  

- JAMB Support: 0700-2255-822  

- EFCC Scam Reporting: 0800-335-5533  

- JAMB Official Portal 

- EFCC Scam Reporting 

Stay Safe! follow Myschoolnews for more tips on navigating Nigeria’s education system without falling victim to scams.