03 Jun 2025
An estimated 14 million people are exposed to employment scams every year. Relocating to the Netherlands can bring excitement and hope. But for many Nigerians trying to build a better life here, the online world has become a risky place, especially when looking for jobs.
Scammers know this. And in 2025, fake job offers targeting Nigerian expats in the Netherlands have become more common and more convincing. This guide explains exactly how these scams work, why Nigerians are targeted, and how you can avoid falling for one.
Nigerians abroad are known to be hardworking and driven. Many are willing to do any legal job to support themselves and their families back home. That’s why scammers prey on this group.
Here’s what makes Nigerians in the Netherlands easy targets:
Online scams have become more professional than ever. In fact, many fake job postings now look just like real ones. Here are some of the ways they appear:
You receive a random message:
“Hello, we are hiring data entry operators for €25/hr. No experience needed. Immediate start. Click this link to apply.”
They often share links, ask for your personal info, or direct you to Telegram groups.
Some scammers build fake job portals with stolen logos from real companies. They ask you to register and then request payment for “processing fees” or “job documents.”
In Nigerian community groups, someone posts a job and asks you to inbox them. The job sounds too good to be true, like:
“Earn €2,000/week from home doing customer support. Only for Nigerians in NL.”
Here are warning signs that a job offer is likely fake:
Here’s what every Nigerian in the Netherlands should do:
Stick with known platforms like:
Avoid applying through WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook messages from strangers.
Real employers don’t ask you to pay to work. Walk away from anyone who does.
If you think you’ve been targeted:
If you’ve fallen for a scam, don’t be ashamed. It happens to many. Talk to others in your Nigerian community. The more people share, the safer everyone becomes.
Also, share only verified job leads in your circles. And remind new arrivals not to trust everything they see online.
While job hunting, many Nigerians work part-time and send money to Nigeria from Netherlands regularly . Be smart about how you do it.
Use trusted platforms like ACE Money Transfer because of its
Nigerians in the Netherlands are smart, resilient, and hardworking. But scammers don’t care. They only want your money.
Don’t rush into any job. Don’t trust strangers online. And never pay to work. Stay alert. Help your fellow Nigerians. And remember, safe money transfers and smart job searches go hand in hand.
Not always. Unless it’s from a verified person or official group, always double-check.
Report it immediately to the police and your bank. Also alert others in your community.
No. In most cases, this is illegal in the Netherlands.
Visit the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and search the business name.
