Nigeria Police Force Arrests Three Suspects Linked to Fake JAMB Websites

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested three individuals connected to fraudulent websites posing as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). These sites deceived candidates and generated counterfeit admission letters.

RELATED NEWS

• JAMB Warns Candidates to Beware of Fraudsters
• CERTIFICATES FROM THE FOLLOWING INSTITUTIONS ARE TO BE PRE-VERIFIED BEFORE 2024 DIRECT ENTRY REGISTRATION – JAMB
• JAMB ISSUES IMPORTANT NOTICE ON 2024 DIRECT ENTRY REGISTRATION

Background

In April, the NPF and JAMB issued warnings about scammers creating fake websites to exploit candidates applying for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This led to a collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) and JAMB to combat these fraudulent activities.

Operation and Arrests

During a press conference at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, officials from the police and JAMB detailed how the fake websites lured candidates into revealing personal information such as registration numbers, email addresses, and phone numbers. The scammers then used this data for malicious purposes.

How the Scammers Operated

The suspects, Effa Leonard Mpama, Ibang Ernest Jerome, and Eshiet Odotukana Benson, all in their thirties, were part of a syndicate that gained unauthorized access to JAMB’s restricted systems. They manipulated and deleted genuine admission letters, creating counterfeit ones to secure admissions and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) mobilization. These fraudulent activities severely compromised the integrity of the JAMB admission process.

A forensic investigation revealed that the syndicate operated from Imo State and employed sophisticated methods to create fake domains and associated websites.

Steps to Protect Yourself

1. Verify Websites:

• Always check the authenticity of JAMB-related websites. Look for official logos and contact details.

2. Keep Personal Details Safe:

• Never share your registration numbers, email addresses, or phone numbers on suspicious sites.

3. Report Suspicious Activity:

• If you encounter a suspicious website or receive dubious admission letters, report it to JAMB or the police.

4. Stay Informed:

• Keep updated with official announcements from JAMB and the police to stay aware of new scams and how to avoid them.

Commitment to Safety

The NPF and JAMB are dedicated to safeguarding candidates from online scams. Their ongoing efforts aim to ensure a safer cyberspace for everyone.