By Becky Usman

Tension is gripping Delta State as reports of job racketeering and scamming emerge, with hundreds of hopeful job seekers across all 25 local government areas allegedly falling victim to these faceless agents. Suspected to have raked in an estimated N765 million in ill-gotten gains, the scammers have reportedly driven some desperate victims to commit suicide after their dreams were dashed.

These job fraudsters, operating for the past two years, have been active in various areas including Asaba, Sapele, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Burutu, Bomadi, Patani, among others. They are armed with counterfeit employment forms and fabricated letterheads, charging up to N50,000 for each set.

In Asaba, these racketeers have made a local hotel (name withheld) near the Asaba township Stadium their base of operations, where they conduct sham interviews for unsuspecting job seekers who have paid the stipulated fees. Their fraudulent activities extend to various locations where potential victims are interviewed for non-existent positions, often forcing female applicants to undergo demeaning procedures before handing over fake employment forms.

Agents of these scams reportedly prey on the desperation of job seekers, exploiting their vulnerability and leaving them financially ruined. In locations like Ughelli, Sapele, Burutu, Bomadi, and Patani, these scammers target passersby, distributing flyers with the bold claim of “Job Opportunities.”

Victims shared their experiences, with one individual from Asaba recounting, “I responded to their flyer, met them at their location, and handed over N50,000 for the forms. When I went to the designated office on the assigned day, they had vanished.”

Reports indicate that the scammers operate with letterheads featuring official-looking logos to lend an air of legitimacy to their activities. However, these job hopefuls are ultimately fleeced of their hard-earned money. A lady from Ughelli, Mrs. Betsy Mkpolor, revealed losing N150,000 to the fraudsters before realizing their deceit.

The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrest of five suspects who confessed to the crimes. He assured that they would be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation. DSP Edafe also revealed that the police have intensified efforts to apprehend more of these scammers, vowing that such activities will no longer go unchecked.

Delta State Government, through its Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, issued a warning against patronizing fake job offers, making it clear that the government will not take responsibility for those who fall victim to such scams. Dr. Emu stated that security agents are on the lookout for these criminals and emphasized the need for citizens to exercise caution and avoid engaging with these fraudulent activities.