The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has warned Nigerians about fraudulent employment letters, including AI-generated documents, being circulated in the commission’s name.
The agency also raised concerns over individuals allegedly collecting money from unsuspecting job seekers while claiming they could help them secure positions at the commission.
The warning was issued in a statement by the NUPRC Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Eniola Akinkuotu, on X on Tuesday.
The commission said it had become aware of fake appointment letters containing the names of individuals who are not affiliated with or known to the organisation.
“The 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 said.
According to the commission, some individuals were also exploiting the situation by requesting payments from members of the public under the false claim that they had connections within the agency that could facilitate employment.
The commission added that reports had also reached it that “some unscrupulous and criminal elements have been extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public under the pretext of helping them to secure employment at the Commission.”
The NUPRC disclosed that it had handed reports concerning the alleged fraudsters to relevant law enforcement authorities for investigation and was awaiting the outcome.
It stressed that Nigerians should disregard any claim suggesting that the commission is currently recruiting, as no recruitment exercise is underway.
“The NUPRC states categorically that there is no ongoing recruitment exercise at the Commission,” it said.
The agency explained that whenever it opens a recruitment process, such exercise would be conducted according to existing laws and applicable government regulations.
“However, when the Commission does decide to recruit, it will be done strictly in line with the extant laws and government regulations,” it added.
The NUPRC urged job seekers and members of the public to remain cautious, verify employment claims through appropriate channels and avoid making payments to anyone presenting suspicious documents or promising to secure jobs at the commission.